Frustrating first half for Ireland

Faroe Islands 0 Republic of Ireland 0 (HT)

The Republic of Ireland have endured an uncomfortable opening 45 minutes of their World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands in Torshavn.

In miserable, wet conditions and on a bumpy pitch, manager Brian Kerr’s side are staring at another damaging blow to their hopes of qualification for the finals in Germany next summer.

Hedin a Lakjuni came within a whisker of opening the scoring midway through the half, while Stephen Elliott – making his first competitive start – missed a sitter just before the break.