Republic of Ireland's victory against Gibraltar huge confidence boost, says boss Martin O'Neill
Saturday 5 September 2015 00:21, UK
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill insists his side will gain a lot of confidence after their 4-0 victory against Gibraltar.
Goals from Cyrus Christie, Shane Long and a double from Robbie Keane sealed all three points, putting Republic of Ireland back in contention for qualification from Group D after Scotland's defeat in Georgia.
O'Neill's side moved above Scotland into third and he believes the result will give his side renewed confidence ahead of their crucial match against Georgia on Monday.
He told Sky Sports: "Even if Scotland won in Georgia it was still in our hands but we had to win four games.
"This will give us a good boost of confidence. Georgia will also come with renewed confidence themselves after their great win against Scotland.
"It was always going to be a very difficult match for Scotland in Georgia. And after Gibraltar's performance against Germany I was always concerned about this game so I'm delighted we've won it.
"We still have to be very mindful of Monday night."
O'Neill's side face Georgia, Germany and Poland in their three remaining fixtures in Group D and after his side's victory in Faro, the 63-year-old believes his side are still in with a fighting chance of qualifying from the group.
He added: "All the games for us our tough and it's as simple as that.
"We are not a side that will steam roller teams. We have to work exceptionally hard. I thought we showed great enthusiasm, great endeavour and great deal of ability which was really important.
"It sets us up for Monday night and we've got to treat that game so powerfully it's untrue. We're still fighting."
Republic of Ireland captain Keane moved just one goal behind Gerd Muller on the list of all-time international goalscorers after his 66th and 67th international goals.
And O'Neill was full of praise for the 35-year-old's performance.
"It was a great effort by him tonight," O'Neill added. "I didn't realise he's just one behind the great Gerd Mulller. That's not bad."
