A brace from Robbie Keane, which brings his total international goal tally to an incredible 67, helped the Republic of Ireland to a 4-0 win against Gibraltar which keeps alive their hopes of making it to France.
The Irish started well in Faro, with Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark hitting the frame of the goal.
However, the opener did eventually come, on 26 minutes, courtesy of a clever effort from Derby’s Cyrus Christie, who was making his competitive debut.
Just after the break, Martin O’Neil’s men sealed the deal, courtesy of a quick-fire brace from Keane, with the Ireland captain’s first coming on 49 minutes.
Keane then made it 3-0 two minutes later (with his 67th international goal), this time courtesy of a spot-kick after Wes Hoolahan was fouled in the Gibraltar box.
On 79 minutes, sub Shane Long made it 4-0 as the Irish cruised to victory.
With Scotland losing 1-0 in Georgia and Poland losing 3-1 in Germany, the Irish are right back in the mix with a must-win home clash with Georgia coming on Monday.
(Highlights: Dailymotion)