James McClean rises to the occasion as Ireland finally get the job done

Moldova 1 Republic of Ireland 3: In the usual manner, Ireland made this harder for themselves than was strictly necessary, not for the first time surrendering an early lead in a game, before a second half James McClean brace reasserted the visitors’ general superiority and deservedly sent them joint top on points of Group D with Serbia.

The results in the group’s two other games also added retrospective gloss to Ireland’s draw in Belgrade and victory over Georgia in Dublin, making this a very satisfactory night all ‘round for Martin O’Neill and his men.

The popular pre-gig gag went, “they think it’s Moldova, it Chisinau” but don’t expect manager Igor Drobovolski to find it funny.