Trapattoni - We deserved win

Giovanni Trapattoni praised his side after the Republic of Ireland beat Andorra 3-1 to maintain their perfect start to the Group B qualification campaign.

The Irish, who won 1-0 in Armenia last Friday, took a 14th minute lead in their first competitive match at the Aviva Stadium via Kevin Kilbane.

Kevin Doyle then extended the lead on 41 minutes before Christian Martinez stunned the home crowd three minutes later with a strike which gave Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given no chance.

But captain Robbie Keane scored on 54 minutes to ensure the victory and see the Irish top the early Group B table on goal difference before the crucial double-header against Russia and Slovakia next month.

Trapattoni afterwards told Sky Sports he was happy with the perfect start from his side.

"I am glad because the team understand me. They played very well," he said, adding his side started well and looked for an early goal.

"I think we deserved to win this."

Key ties

He is now looking forward to the key ties against Russia and Slovakia next month, believing the Republic must concentrate on their own game.

"I think they are the two team teams in the group who are strong but we have to think only about our way, like this.

"Today before the game I said 'Remember I think we are a good team, we are a good group, we have good technical skills' and I think today they showed me what I said."

He added: "We can take confidence now. We have started the campaign and we are top of the table.

"It is not my habit to under-estimate teams like Macedonia, for example, but I think Slovakia and Russia will be our main competition.

"We have six points, like Slovakia, but now we have to look to next month. The competition starts now."

He agreed that Ireland had played a different style than against Armenia and is confident his side can qualify out of the group after the near miss in the World Cup last time.

"We played the beautiful football this evening," said Trapattoni.

"It is only two games but I think we can do it (achieve qualification)."