Kilbane confident after Faroes win

Kevin Kilbane is confident the Republic of Ireland will qualify for next summer’s World Cup finals – even if it comes down to a win-or-bust showdown against Switzerland in the last game.

Kilbane scored the second goal in last night’s 2-0 win over the Faroe Islands - his first since February 2003 – to send Ireland top of a closely-knit Group Four.

There was an element of luck as his 58th-minute shot took a deflection off captain Oli Johanessen but it was enough to deflate the Faroes in appalling weather conditions just eight minutes after they had conceded a penalty opener to Ian Harte.

With France and Switzerland to come at Lansdowne Road, sandwiched by a trip to Cyprus, Ireland are in control of their destiny, which they hope will see them in Germany.

Kilbane certainly believes that will be the case as he said: “We’re top of the group, and that’s all that could be expected of us.

“After what happened against Israel on Saturday, I think people were disappointed, but we got through it last night.

“We were under pressure a couple of times, but I certainly felt we would win the game – although we felt the same on Saturday and it didn’t go our way.

“But once Hartey got the goal from the penalty spot, it helped us to relax, and then I’m pleased I’ve scored.

“It’s a goal that’s been a long-time coming – I actually think it was going to hit the corner flag – but I’m pleased we got the win more than anything and picked up a big three points and it’s all in our hands now.

“If we win the next three games, then that’s us through, but it’s going to be tough and there are going to be some ups and downs to come along the way I’m sure.

“Without a doubt, though, I’m very confident of qualifying, and I’m sure the rest of the lads are too. We’ve enough ability and the players to do it.

“Even if we go into the Switzerland game needing a win to qualify I think we’ll be okay because we’re strong enough to get a result against them.”

First up are France on September 7 and a game in which manager Brian Kerr believes his side will be perceived as underdogs, although with home advantage, midfielder Roy Keane has dismissed such a suggestion.

Kilbane, who if he figures against the French will equal the legendary Packie Bonner’s record of 34 consecutive competitive appearances for his country, can see both sides of the argument.

“Maybe,” was his response when asked if Ireland would be the underdogs before adding Kerr’s side have it within their capabilities to beat France.

“I suppose they’ve a lot of quality players, but with us being at home I will feel very confident going into that.

“We need to get at them and make it very difficult for them, but we will go into the game full of confidence.”