Keane shines in impressive performance

This was a polished and resoundingly professional performance from Ireland. The victory really solidifies the platform that they have built since this campaign began and they can prepare for the next series of games with a very positive mindset.

Interestingly, this was the first time that Ireland selected the same side for three consecutive internationals for a considerable time - I think it dates back to Italia '90 - and we have arguably had the three best sequence of results in a long time also.

That the 11 have grown accustomed to one another and are evolving as a settled side was so apparent last night. What impressed me most was the attitude; focused, patient, decisive, never deviating from the game plan.

Yet again, Roy Keane gave another excellent performance for his country. I thought he was absolutely outstanding last night, an exemplar for any aspiring young midfielder.

Robbie Keane's little flourishes may have caught the eye and Kevin Kilbane was at the heart of the more exhilarating moments but Keane just owned this game.

And the astonishing thing about it was that he went through the 90 minutes in third gear - he hardly had to make a tackle so poised and aware was he throughout. The Cork man seems to generate superlatives every time he steps onto a field but he truly is a majestic football player.

Around him, the team sparkled. Mark Kinsella had a fine evening. His first touch in the move which led to Ireland's first goal was the defining moment; it was a nice measured ball in from Ian Harte, Niall Quinn controlled it reasonably well and then Kinsella created the space and angle with the slightest of touches. His finish was deft and perfect. And for the third consecutive time, midfield has yielded a goal for us. Long may that streak continue.

Quinn also got involved in the second goal, which really killed the game off. A nice homecoming for Richard Dunne. The big lad might have his detractors at Everton but really, in the last three games, he has been flawless. The more he plays, the more his confidence will surge. What he would appear to lack in physical grace, he compensates for mentally.

He reminds me a lot of Steve Bruce, another centre half who was perceived as a weak link but was rarely bettered. His progression is encouraging for Ireland. The central defensive pair had one or two lapses and I do believe that Gary Breen will always give teams at least one chance, it's just the nature of his game but overall, they were comfortable.

Jason McAteer had a tough night; most of the time, he seemed to receive the ball with his back to goal whereas ideally, you'd like to see him come onto it at pace and going forward.

Damien Duff again impressed in the second half, he is a sparky and inventive option and created a number of chances last night that possibly ought to have led to a third goal.

Estonia will not go down as the most flair filled opposition to line out at Lansdowne Road. They came with no sense of adventure in the hope of plundering a point.

After Ireland went a goal up, they had to change but were simply unable to. When that became apparent, the writing was on the wall. Indrek Zelinski forced a good save off the ever alert Alan Kelly but apart from that, it was a stroll for the Irish defence in comparison to what they soaked up in the previous two games.

The fizz went out of the evening over the last quarter of the game but no harm; the job was done. Keane was instrumental in just taking the sting out of the game; he toned down the tempo, the ball was channelled through him and basically, Ireland kept a vice-like grip on their lead as the minutes ticked down. It was a good, solid, fundamental conclusion to an impressive performance.

Doubtless we may find Estonia a more stubborn prospect when we visit them, but we have the requisite ability to take full points off them again.

Ideally, Mick McCarthy could go into the next phase of games fielding the side that finished the match at Lansdowne Road. If it ain't broke.

In an interview with Keith Duggan.