Monday 7 September 2015 23:15, UK
Martin O'Neill admits he took a gamble taking captain Robbie Keane off at half-time in Republic of Ireland's crucial 1-0 victory against Georgia.
With the scores locked at 0-0 on Monday night, Keane, who scored his 67th international goal in his side's 4-0 win against Gibraltar last Friday, was replaced by Shane Long at the break as the sluggish hosts went on to seal all three points thanks to Jonathan Walters' 69th-minute strike.
Despite the move having the necessary impact, O'Neill, who thought Keane was lacking in energy, admitted he was concerned having the Republic of Ireland's all-time leading goalscorer on the touchline.
"Robbie's been great for us," O'Neill told Sky Sports. "The record speaks for itself.
"I just thought with the two games in quick succession, he had lost a bit of energy.
"It's obviously a worry because your natural goalscorer is off the field. It was always a concern but in the end, we've come good through Jonathan Walters, who has had a magnificent tournament for us from start to finish.
"He has shown the essence of the team."
O'Neill also praised his side's spirit as they moved four points clear of Scotland in third in Group D.
He added: "We found a way to win the game. We've got a great spirit and a great enthusiasm about us but I thought in the first half we looked as if we were the team that had travelled from Georgia.
"We didn't have any great energy about us but we found a way to win the game which was fantastic. The spirit was great.
"I'm delighted we've won the game. I always thought this was going to be a big, big game for us. We had to try and win this one on the back of winning on Friday and now it gives us a bit of spirit to go into the Germany game.
"We're a million miles away but the Germany game is obviously of paramount importance. We need three points somewhere along the way. Germany are the best side in this group by a mile. It's always been a fight for the other places in the group and we are still in there fighting with two games to go.
Asked whether he would take third place and a spot in the play-offs, he said: "In truth, if you are into a play-off situation I think at least it gives you a chance."
