SEAMUS Coleman and Aiden McGeady put on superb performances at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night to help Robbie Keane to a hat-trick in Ireland’s 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands.
Killybegs man Coleman set up Keane’s crucial second goal and McGeady set up the first – and almost scored twice himself – to move Ireland into third place in their World Cup qualifying group.
“It was nice to get the goals,” said Keane, making a record 126th appearance, one more than Shay Given’s record.
“But obviously, most important was the three points. All in all it was a good day for us. It’s always important against these teams to get the first goal and I managed to do that. I keep saying it’s a privilege and an honour to play for my country. To put this green jersey on means a hell of a lot to me and long may it continue.
“Aiden (McGeady) was on fire in the first half especially, he was killing the full-back. I just anticipated the pull-back and lucky enough for me I managed to get there to get the first ball.
“It’s about movement and getting in front of the first man, knowing where the ball will go. I’ve been lucky enough in my career to score a few, so you get used to knowing certain positions to be in where the ball might go.”
Ireland hustled and bustled at the Aviva – frustrated by an eight-man Faroes defence.
But the win leaves us just behind Austria on goal difference – and three points ahead of Sweden who have a game in hand.
Ireland: David Forde; Seamus Coleman, John O’Shea, Sean St ledger, Marc Wilson (Stephen Kelly 81); Simon Cox, Glenn Whelan, Wes Hoolahan, Aiden McGeady (James McClean 77); Jonathan Walters (Conor Sammon 74), Robbie Keane.
Subs not used: Kieren Westwood, Darren Randolph, Damien Delaney, Richard Dunne, Darren O’Dea, Paul McShane, Stephen Quinn, Andy Keogh, Jeff Hendrick,
Booked: Hoolahan.
Faroe Islands: Gunnar Nielsen; Jonhard Frederiksberg, Atli Gregersen, Rogvi Baldvinson, Ari Mohr Jonsson; Suni Olsen, Heini Vandsdal; Simun Samuelsen, Christian Holst (Hans Pauli Samuelsen 84), Pol Johannus Justinusen; Pall Klettskaro (Joan Simun Edmundsson 65).
Subs not used: Jonas Tor Naes,, Vilijormur Davidsen, Atli Danielsen, Christian Mouritssen, Hans Jorgensen, Tietur Gestsson.
Booked: Vandsdal, Justinusen, Baldvinson.
Referee: Mattis Gestranius (Finland).