Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill declared himself pleased with his side’s 7-0 Euro 2016 qualifier over Gibraltar but insisted there was still room for improvement.
Captain Robbie Keane led the way for Ireland with a hat-trick in the space of 12 first-half minutes, James McClean claimed a brace and Wes Hoolahan found the net, and Gibraltar goalkeeper Jordan Perez also scored an own goal.
Ireland were rarely troubled by a Gibraltar side still finding their feet in international competition but O’Neill still identified areas in which he wants to see his side improve.
"It was far from perfect but it was delightful to score the goals, it really was. With three goals in the first 16 or 17 minutes, Robbie had a hat-trick in that time," O’Neill told RTÉ Sport.
"The first goal settled us down and it became a reasonably comfortably evening for us.
"I thought in the last 20 minutes we got rather sloppy. We could have conceded a goal, which would have been really irritating and we should have really pressed on to score a few more goals."
"We could have conceded a goal, which would have been really irritating and we should have really pressed on to score a few more goals."
The Ireland manager had special praise for Keane and Hoolahan who formed an impressive partnership, with Hoolahan playing just behind his captain and helping to create a host of chances for his side.
"[Robbie’s] 34-years of age, he’s spent a little time in America and that doesn’t seem to have affected him too much and it’s good because he is our ace goalscorer.
"He's the one you would depend on getting goals. Particularly in matches like this when you’re looking for some who has that proven pedigree."
While Keane can expect to start against in Tuesday’s crucial qualifier against Germany in Gelsenkirchen, Hoolahan may have to settle for a place on the bench. However his display against Gibraltar will have helped his case for a starting berth.
"I thought Wes did very well," O'Neill said. "When we have a problem unlocking defences, he’s done it before since I’ve come in. Certainly here at the Aviva he’s played very well indeed, I thought he played some brilliant balls tonight and I’m delighted he got a goal.”
Looking forward to Tuesday’s game O’Neill revealed that he does not expect to have any new injury worries as thoughts turn to Germany.
"I've just talked to the physiotherapist and they seem quite hopeful but you never know. Concentration is now on Germany, I think everything else is for another day."
