Holland: not great game but three points are what count

IRELAND midfielder Matt Holland yesterday emphasised the delight in the Irish squad at the combination of European Championship results that brought them within sight once again of a qualification place in next year’s finals in Portugal.

Russia’s come-back in Switzerland checked the group leaders and meant that Ireland will win the automatic qualifying place if they succeed in beating Georgia, on Wednesday, and Russia in Dublin and Switzerland away from home.

“It was the perfect scenario for us,” said Holland.