Ireland take the gain from the pain

YOU couldn’t say that it was pretty but, my, was it effective. The stayaways might have dominated the build-up but it was the ones who seem to have been around forever who made the crucial difference in Skopje.

Two goals from Robbie Keane and two saves of almost equal value from Shay Givens were the pivotal factors which swung this game in Ireland’s favour. The remainder was down to a performance of wholehearted collective endeavour and discipline — and a dollop of help from Lady Luck.

The result was an away win against lively opposition in hostile surroundings which means the race in Group B for qualification for next year’s European Championship finals is still of the neck and neck, three-horse variety, as we prepare to turn the corner and head into the home straight in the Autumn.