Simplicity the key to a bright summer

Mark Lawrenson/Soccer analyst: Simplicity was the key. That was a very good, professional performance, in which they all did extremely well.

Gary Doherty did what was needed of him, the balance was right and it was a good end to the last five days. One of the most significant aspects of the win was that it was achieved without Damien Duff. The players have shown they can create chances and win without him.

The attitude was right from the start. We set our own tempo and our own agenda and gave the Georgians real problems. I think the players realised that Georgia struggled, in particular, at the far post. To be honest, they were very poor with anything in the box and in the air.

Ireland preyed on that and the quality of the crosses was very, very good, the importance of which was something we highlighted this morning. And that, for me, was one of the other key factors in the win.

I also thought we defended well, worked very hard, and overall it was a very pleasing and professional performance.

I thought the lads who came added a bit of oomph to the mix. Lee Carsley obviously and Colin Healy showed his class. He got himself on the ball, he made people accept the ball in positions, which was good. He made Holland play better and his service into the front-runners was good - exactly where they'd want it - and he also worked extremely hard.

In general the midfield had more presence than they had last Saturday, and that was because there were four of them in there. Doherty also gave them more of an aerial target to hit. His second touch may be a header but he's a real threat in the air, and his physical presence brought out a much better performance from Robbie Keane as well. Keane's work-rate deserved a goal, which he took very well - even if it might have been handball. But we were at home.

Keane worked his socks off, it was a real poacher's goal and he was unlucky with the one off the crossbar. He came off defenders and held the ball up - he was excellent.

The thing about him is he's such a willing workhorse. He's prepared to get kicked, plays in all areas of the pitch, is very unselfish and yet he's a top-class poacher as well.

They're not a bad side, Georgia. They had some good spells in the game, yet they only tested Shay Given from long distance. We deserved our win because our approach was excellent.

I think Georgia were probably a little better than Albania, even if they didn't have much of a cutting edge last night. I felt we played into Albania's hands a little bit.

Looking back over the two games, I must say that we played the two opposing teams in the right order. If we had played Georgia on Saturday I think we would have struggled to win because we needed the game last Saturday - which was understandable given so many players had lay-offs at the end of the season.

The fixtures definitely came in the right order. We just about got through the Albanian game but we needed that game to beat the Georgians. It added about another 25 per cent to the performance overall and to almost everyone individually.

However, I don't necessarily think this settles the argument that we have to stick to 4-4-2 for ever more. It was worth experimenting with 4-3-1-2. It needs work but I don't think we should bin it, because away from home it may be a better system, but I think 4-4-2 at home suits us. We're used to it. Most of those lads can play that system with their eyes closed.

Overall we couldn't have asked to be in a better position after those opening two defeats, and if we're still in contention going into the last game in Switzerland I'll take that.

Now that his first batch of games has been completed we can analyse Brian Kerr's first phase in charge and I think he's done a good job. He's not changed that many things. Okay, he's given the players food for thought with the 4-3-1-2 system but he's kept the game pretty simple otherwise.

He made good decisions last night in the way he astutely rotated his players, and the three players brought in gave the team a lift. He's also accumulated 10 points from four games, which is an excellent achievement and exactly what we needed. A campaign that had a forlorn look about it is now looking very promising.

Everyone now goes away for the summer happy after six points from two games. By the start of next season and the game at home to Russia on September 6th everyone should be fit and raring to go. One or two might be with new clubs and that will be another positive. So, bring on the Russians.

(In an interview with Gerry Thornley)