Stephen Kenny admitted that the Republic of Ireland's chances of qualifying for Euro 2024 through the play-offs remain "more unlikely than likely" but vowed that his side would look to finish Group B on a high when they visit the Netherlands in November.
The Boys in Green's already faint chances of qualifying via the group ended last Friday against Greece but they did win for just the second time in the campaign on Monday night in Faro by seeing off minnows Gibraltar 4-0.
Their final group game will come against the second-placed Dutch on 18 November.
Any hopes of grabbing a play-off spot will be determined by the UEFA Nations League rankings with Ireland needing as many teams as possible above them to qualify directly for next summer's Euros.
As things stand, Ireland are currently outside the ranking spots needed to earn a play-off place and speaking to RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue at full-time in Faro, Kenny acknowledged that chances were relatively slim.
"It's still more unlikely than likely and I think regardless we have to go to Amsterdam and try and get a win if we can," he said.
"The games against Holland and France at home have been real, real good games that we haven't managed to (get results in) and were narrowly beaten in both.
"So we've got to go to Holland and they need to win to qualify and are a top six team in the world.
"But from our point of view, we've got to get organised, go there and put in a performance that gives ourselves a chance of getting a result."
Stephen Kenny talks through Ireland's 4-0 victory over Gibraltar in Faro this evening 🇬🇮 🇮🇪
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Nevertheless, Kenny was pleased with the manner in which his players approached the Gibraltar match off the back of last week's chastening home defeat to Greece.
"Obviously the disappointment from the other night, it's important not to erode the players' spirit and I think they were very professional and worked the goals well I feel," he said.
"There was good movement between the full-backs, wingers and midfield players, and good inter-changing and good timing of the runs for the goals from the attacking players.
"So it was a good win in terms of scoring four and we could have scored a lot more. These games can be difficult if you don't get the goals that you need and it was important, so it was very comfortable."
The manager was also effusive in his praise for Player of the Match, Celtic winger Mikey Johnston, who netted the second goal on the night after starting on the left flank.
"I love wingers. I adore wing play," Kenny said.
"That's his first start of course. He needs to play matches. He's too good not to be playing football, so it's great that he did well, himself and Chiedozie (Ogbene). All of a sudden it looks like we have wingers who can make an impact, if Mikey can get game-time.
"And obviously, Mark Sykes coming on as well in that position and we have one more coming on stream, so we just need better options in those areas and they're helping to provide it."
Watch Cork City v Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland on Monday on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, kick-off 7.30pm
