McCarthy sees the funny side as Ireland deliver

Damien Duff and Ronnie Whelan may have found fault with the tennis balls served up in protest against John Delaney at the Aviva Stadium, but Mick McCarthy could see the funny side after a performance and result that sets Ireland up nicely in Group D.

The criticisms of the fans gesture, made by the two former players on TV on Tuesday evening, didn't match the mood music inside the Ballsbridge venue and the Irish manager struck a more conciliatory tone when addressing an action which he had spoken about with some concern prior to kick-off.