It's been a good start for the new Irish set-up, none more so than the marker Dean Kiely has put down, but there are bigger challenges ahead for Giovanni Trapattoni

I'VE BEEN to Craven Cottage the least of all English grounds. And yet, since my first visit as a young boy, and again on Thursday, it continues to remind me of Dalymount Park in its heyday.

A real football stadium: compact, with the crowd close to a fast, neat surface and (hey presto!) we got a real international match to go with it - in stark contrast to last Saturday's tame effort at Croke Park.

The emigrant support combined with the travelling fanatics - have no doubt about them boys - were much more involved with the game's development than four times the number in Dublin against Serbia.

The almost tournament feel to the event was certainly assisted by the colourful, noisy Colombian end.

The game itself was eminently enjoyable, with a battling, committed and fairly tight Irish team getting off to an aggressive and rewarding start before the silky skills and pace of Colombia threatened to overrun them. Dean Kiely must take a bow for ensuring we survived the first-half onslaught.

Kiely has certainly laid down a marker for permanent inclusion in this side, but he may soon find himself in a similar, frustrating position to five years ago if and when Shay Given returns to full fitness.

The attacking instincts of Andy Keogh and Aiden McGeady meant certain defensive responsibility or cuteness was sacrificed but allowances must be made for youth and inexperience at this level.

The phenomenal work-rate of Liam Miller and Glenn Whelan must be noted. Indeed, Miller's tackling and distribution were a timely reminder why he was so highly rated by Martin O'Neill, Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane. Only his ability to get into the box regularly was absent.

Our main tactical shortfall was failing to deal with Colombia's diamond-shaped quartet in contrast to our orthodox 4-4-2. Too frequently the excellent Torres and Sanchez found space and time behind Miller and Whelan to feed the pacy Garcia and Perea, who combined to give Paul McShane and Richard Dunne a torrid time until the break.

The back four just about survived but there will be few days when they will encounter such pace, strength and movement in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

For Damien Delaney, McShane, Whelan and Keogh, caps in both games will have enhanced their confidence significantly and maybe built up the "trust" Giovanni Trapattoni has repeatedly referred to.

The Italian was forced to play these opening games without many of his best players. Hopefully he realises those he used this past week are largely a shadow Irish team. This is bad news for the rest of the current squad but besides Stephen McPhail and Martin Rowlands they all have time on their side.

Thus far under Trapattoni, there is no significant change in shape or style when compared to the last three Republic of Ireland managers. Jack Charlton's effective long ball ways implanted an image of Irish football around the world that has been difficult to shake.

So far the traditional 4-4-2 system has been maintained. A failure to deal with overloading and better-quality midfielders must be dealt with by changes in either personnel or tactics.

The most notable alterations have come on the training front. The double daily sessions and more emphasis on technique are new departures since the Steve Staunton era.

The sight of Richard Dunne and Robbie Keane jogging back to the team hotel was a welcome development in their maturing process and an example to the young ones. God knows they've raised hell in their time but they are leaders now.

As is always the case under a new regime, all the correct vibes and sound bites are emanating from the camp, but Thursday's result, more than anything, will have done a lot for morale and acceptance of the new ways.

The lengthy spell together as a group would have also allowed Trapattoni and his close allies to establish roles and responsibilities. It has been a chance to address any glaring deficiencies. There were problems but they have been highlighted now. This is vital to team building and the smooth running of the squad once the business of professional football comes around.

A draw and a win must be called a good start for the new regime. The staff and other matters appear to be sorted out.

Who plays where and with who is still a challenge Trapattoni must address over the summer months.

Both Kevin Doyle and Keane looked the better for the few days together and are likely to remain the chosen front two, despite the progress of Daryl Murphy and Shane Long.

All six midfielders used this week performed adequately; the balance and shape will have to be improved. The inclusion of any two from Duff, McGeady, Keogh and Stephen Hunt needs to be evaluated. Possibly throw in the experience of Kevin Kilbane into that mix. Two out-and-out wingers turns it into more of a 4-2-4 system.

The availability of Stephen Reid (power), Andy Reid (awareness), Lee Carsley (experience) and the highly talented Stephen Ireland brings plenty of alternatives for the middle two and poses an interesting teaser for Trapattoni. Striking that balance will define the team.

The options in defence are not as rich, making a further pursuit of Andy O'Brien and Steve Finnan more important than ever to improve squad depth and experience levels. We need them.

One presumes the squad for August will comprise the 17 used against Serbia and Colombia plus the aforementioned absentees.

Trapattoni, Marco Tardelli and Liam Brady must be looking forward to a chance to work with the real Irish squad.

That is the next opportunity. That is the next challenge.

"The options in defence are not as rich, making a further pursuit of Andy O'Brien and Steve Finnan more important than ever to improve squad depth and experience levels. We need them.