Martin O’Neill declared himself delighted with the Republic of Ireland’s victory over Moldova in Chisanu tonight as they continued the unbeaten start to Group D in World Cup qualifiying.
O’Neill, speaking to RTÉ Soccer correspondent Tony O’Donoghue, vigorously defended his side as they responded from a late equaliser before half-time to earn a 3-1 victory.
Asked whether he was worried about the trait of conceding after going in front, the Irish boss responded: "I'm not so sure that it is absolutely true.
"Some of the sides we have played against - you're talking about France where we got in front. We got in front against Italy and stayed on.
"We got in front against Georgia and stayed on. So I'm not so sure. Serbia? Away from home who have won tonight against Austria? Hmmm, not bad."
He added: "You know what we did do. I think you keep forgetting. We actually fought back to get an equaliser in that game when all seemed lost. And also the goal that they took the lead with against Serbia in Belgrade was actually a very dubious penalty."
It was revealed after the Georgia match that O’Neill had harsh words for his players at the break and James McClean said the manager expressed similar sentiments at the halfway stage against tonight’s opposition.
He added: "I have to do a job here. My job is pretty important to me. Players are very important. Players are great. Players have to respond to things you say as well and they have responded. They have responded the last couple of years."
The three points leave Ireland in a favourable position going into clash against Austria in November.
Reflecting on tonight’s result, he said it was another boost to Ireland’s qualifying hopes. There was a further boost as Wales only drew 1-1 with Georgia earlier in the day.
"It's great. We played very, very well. We started off brilliantly. Obviously Shane scored early for us. It settled us down. We could have maybe scored two or three before half-time. Then there was a bit of a dunderhead moment and we concede and suddenly it's parity again at half-time. So we had to go and do it against in the second half and of course what it did was give them a lift.
"They came in at half-time absolutely buoyant, we were a bit deflated, but even so we pulled it around and won the game and we deserved to win the game. And we played well.
"I'm delighted we've won. We made it tricky for ourselves in that minute or two before half time but we came out in the second half, we've created a number of chances, taken a few of them and scored three goals.
"You say [Wales] dropped two points, that came as no surprise to me. The games are tough. They are tough. I think to try and read anything it after three games is a wee bit too early. But we're delighted tonight. We've won away from home and it's good. At least then who knows what might? We could get a couple of injuries, we could get a couple back, I don't know."
James McClean was Ireland’s hero tonight with his manager saying he had a heart like a lion as he dug Ireland out of the sticky situation they found themselves in during the second half.
"Brilliant.. Really, really brilliant. He does some fantastic things in the game, closes players down pretty well. He can, because he is a left winger, sometimes goes in to close people and maybe misses the one that they might play through. Having said this, he is a left winger.
"He scored two goals for us tonight. Got himself in centre-forward positions and did brilliantly for us. He has the heart the size of a lion, we're delighted with him. And he must be delighted himself tonight."
