The Republic of Ireland began their countdown to this summer's World Cup with an enterprising 2-0 victory over Russia at a sold-out Lansdowne Road tonight. Ireland boss Mick McCarthy has stated he knows the majority of his 23-man squad which will be on the plane to Japan but for those on the fringes there remains the incentive of staking a late claim.
Ireland had a dream start when Steven Reid, earning just his second cap, scored his first international goal in the third minute after the Russian defence failed to clear Ian Harte's free-kick. Reid, growing in confidence, then combined with Steve Finnan who crossed from the right to an unmarked Robbie Keane who headed the ball into the net in the 20th minute to claim his ninth goal of his international career.
Newcastle defender Andy O'Brien and Celtic central midfielder Colin Healy, currently on loan with Coventry, both played the first 45 minutes. Debut-making Healy was announced at the end of the game as the man of the match and he produced another power-packed performance alongside Roy Keane at the heart of the midfield. Millwall striker Richard Sadlier enjoyed 17 minutes of action on his debut, one of 12 substitutions employed by McCarthy.
Once the Republic were two goals to the good, Russia dictated the remainder of the first period, with Spartak Moscow striker Vladmimir Bestchastnykh going closest with a header against the bar.
Ian Harte and Clinton Morrison also struck the woodwork during a second half dominated by McCarthy's revolving door policy on his dugout which resulted in Niall Quinn becoming the last of the dozen replacements in injury time.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
