Keane relieved with manager's first win

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has admitted his relief at handing new boss Giovanni Trapattoni a first win.

The 27-year-old Tottenham striker scored the third-minute goal which saw off Colombia at Craven Cottage last night to end Ireland's eight-month wait for a victory.

After Saturday night's 1-1 draw with Colombia at Croke Park, the victory got the Italian's reign off the mark ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign which starts in Georgia in September.

Keane said: "It was a very good win. It's always important to get a win at international level, especially as it was the manager's first win as well.

"It's always nice to get that out of the way and go away at the end of the season on a bit of a high, so overall, we have to be pleased with it."

The Colombians provided stern opposition and Ireland had to defend for their lives at times to see the game out.

But that is exactly the kind of test with which they will have to cope if they are to emerge from a group which also includes Italy, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Cyprus and make it to South Africa in 2010.

Keane said: "Exactly. They are a good side. The kept the ball really well.

"But give credit to our players, we kept our shape really, really well through the whole game and we are obviously delighted with the win."

That said, had it not been for the excellence of 37-year-old Dean Kiely, the result might have been very different.

The West Brom goalkeeper, back in the side after a five-year absence with number one Shay Given recovering from groin surgery, pulled off a string of fine saves to preserve his clean sheet and re-establish himself in the squad.

Keane said: "Dean was fantastic. The two saves he pulled off just before half-time were magnificent.

"He took his chance with both hands. We have seen Dean do that over the years, not just now.

"Since he has been in the set-up, he has been magnificent.

"He has come back again and he is full of enthusiasm, and he showed that again."

Keane's goal meant a positive end to an eventful season for him personally and, although he was indebted to a sizeable deflection off defender Elvis Gonzales, he was no less pleased.

He said: "It's always nice to score as a striker. You are judged on scoring goals and it's always nice to score at international level, even though I did get a bit of luck.

"But I will take them every week."

Strike partner Kevin Doyle was happy to have played his part in an encouraging
performance at the end of a fruitful fortnight.

He said: "It was a great game, actually, probably one of the better friendlies we have played in.

"The Colombians brought a good atmosphere to the place. They were very loud and they got our fans going as well, so it was a good night.

"It has been a good two weeks. We have worked hard - it hasn't been come and relax and just get along, we came and worked hard and it paid off."

Doyle, of course, suffered relegation with Reading at the end of the domestic season and speculation has already linked him with a move away from the Madejski Stadium.

He has admitted he will be happy to stay with the Royals if that is what happens, but he has much upon which to reflect during his summer break.

He said: "It was a learning experience and that's what I will take from it.

"It was tough, but that's going to happen and hopefully next year will be better."