King enjoys bubbly debut

Republic of Ireland under-21 manager Noel King revelled in watching “champagne football” as he celebrated his debut game in charge with a thumping win.

King’s team crushed Estonia 5-0 for their first competitive victory since November 2007, a run that recently brought to an end the 10-year reign of Don Givens.

King took charge of a low-on-confidence side that had suffered three defeats and four draws in group two of qualification for the European Under-21 Championships.

But at Tallaght Stadium the Republic appeared a team transformed, with Hibernian winger Anthony Stokes on fire as he scored twice in the first half before playing a part in the other three in the second.

“Three points and a clean sheet is what we were looking for, but we got a bit of champagne football at the end,” said King, previously at the helm of all of the womens’ teams for the Republic.

“The last 15 minutes were unbelievable. But fair play to the lads, their attitude was great, they stuck to their task and played well.

“In the opening 10 minutes we could have been a goal or two down, and at the start of the second half we could have conceded a goal.

“So there’s plenty of work to be done, we won’t be getting carried away with anything, but this was certainly very encouraging.

“I don’t want to take any credit, but that was a performance they put together. They were really good and they deserved their win.”

Stokes opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a thumping right- foot drive before adding his second from the spot 14 minutes later after he had been fouled.

The 22-year-old then teed up Wigan midfielder James McCarthy and Crystal Palace midfielder Owen Garvan for the third and fifth, and had a hand in a deflected fourth scored by Everton defender Seamus Coleman.

“He was involved in everything,” added King.

“He was unbelievable – a top-notch performance from a top-notch player with a top-notch attitude.

“It was great to watch him. Did you enjoy it? I did. That’s the way I feel.

“He is a great player, and working with that level of player is fantastic. I’m just so pleased for him that he’s done well.”

Stokes, who now links up with the seniors for tomorrow’s friendly with Argentina at the Aviva Stadium, was remarkably a little disappointed with his display.

“It was good to get the result, a good confidence boost, and with a new manager in at least we’ve got off to a good start,” said Stokes.

“As for me, to be honest with you – and I’m not just saying this – I didn’t think I played that well because I gave the ball away a lot, but I was happy going forward and to get the goals.”