As long as you don’t lose...

AS the sides lined up for the dignitaries before Saturday’s game, Robbie Keane showed an admirable focus despite his very obvious hunger for the task ahead.

With Croatian referee Ivan Bebek a little unsure where to put himself on the red carpet, the Irish captain showed admirable leadership, literally putting the official in his place.

Keane carried his enthusiasm into the opening seconds, immediately dispossessing the visitors from their own kick-off to send Stephen Hunt away down the left to win the free which led to Richard Dunne’s goal.