Ireland on top in Paris

HALF TIME: France 0 Ireland 1

Robbie Keane has given Ireland real hope of qualifying for next year’s World Cup finals.

The Tottenham striker netted in the 33rd minute of tonight’s play-off second leg in Paris, making no mistake in converting a centre from Damien Duff.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s team went into the game trailing after Saturday’s 1-0 setback at Croke Park – but Keane’s goal levelled the aggregate scores at the Stade de France.