Never mind the quality, just count the points

PLAYER REACTION: Mary Hanniganfinds the players not unduly worried by the shaky manner of the Irish win

TWELVE MONTHS ago, almost to the day, the Ireland players were near lost for words when asked for their thoughts on the 1-1 draw with Cyprus, a result that, ultimately, signalled the end of Steve Staunton's reign.

A year on, same venue, same opposition, but a different result, even if the performance was at times as faltering. A win's a win, though, was the message from the players who were content enough with their night's work as they made their way out of Croke Park.

"It's just a really big win for us," said Kevin Kilbane, "it keeps us ticking over nicely in the group. It was just absolutely vital we took the points tonight and that's what we did. I know we had a few shaky moments, especially late on, but they're a good side so it's no surprise they had their chances, which they did.

"But we defended really well, Richard Dunne was immense and Shay (Given) was his usual self, a few important saves. But we played some decent stuff, I thought Damien (Duff) and Aiden (McGeady) were a real threat all night, and Robbie (Keane) and Kevin (Doyle) worked incredibly hard.

"Our target was to win our home games and pick up a few points on the road; that's what we've done so far, so we have to be happy with how we've started. There's a long way to go, of course, but so far so good."

"It was a massive win, we knew Bulgaria had drawn so a win was vital," said man-of-the-match Kevin Doyle. "It was a very tough game, so we were delighted to win it. I felt we had a little bit in reserve at the end," he said, which led to a few quizzical looks.

"When we went ahead we sat back a little, but they're a good side, they had a few chances. We were maybe a bit wary because we knew from past experiences it would be far from easy, and maybe we were a bit nervous because it was the first game at home, that put a lot of pressure on us."

Richard Dunne was positively beaming when he emerged from the dressingroom - never mind the performance, count the points being the message once again.

"No one knows more than myself how tricky it is to take the points off Cyprus, we have to remember that, so while the performance tonight was far from perfect we got the points, and that's all that matters.

"So it's just a great win for us, I'm delighted with it. This group is so tight, as the results so far have shown, and with Bulgaria, especially, dropping points it makes it crucial for us not to slip up at home. We have the points tonight, we just have to keep winning at home - if we do we'll give ourselves a chance."

Early days, still seven games to go, there's some distance to be travelled yet before South Africa 2010 is reached. Next up in this campaign is Georgia and Bulgaria at Croke Park in February and March. No plain sailing, but the ship is, at least, on course.