Duff gives Kerr something to smile about

Georgia 0, Republic of Ireland 1

Damian Duff gave new Republic boss Brian Kerr something to smile about in his first competitive match in charge as he put his team ahead in the 18th minute in the Lokomotiv Stadium.

Kevin Kilbane crossed from the left, Lee Carsley saw his shot rebound off the post, and Blackburn striker Duff pounced to steer home his third international goal.

Ireland – looking for the first points in the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign – were unlucky to see Greek referee Kyros Vassaras overlook a genuine claim for a penalty when Gary Doherty was tripped after 27 minutes.

O’Shea made another important interception to keep out a cross from the right after 38 minutes, and Doherty cleared the corner which followed.

Georgia stepped up their search for an equaliser and a minute later skipper Giorgi Nemsadze found Aleksandre Iashvili with a precise through-ball, but the striker rushed his effort and shot wide.

Ireland were sitting deep and defending their slender lead, but they looked a far better bet when they attacked their hosts – as they proved in the final minute of the half when Carsley’s good run forced a corner.

Kerr is known for his meticulous planning and attention to detail, so his half-time words of wisdom would set the tone for the second period.