Heroes keep feet on ground despite quality performance

On a night when superlatives seemed appropriate, it was the players who maintained a firm footing in relation to what constituted a superb victory.

Mark Kennedy, scorer of the magnificent winning goal, epitomised the understated delight of the players. "It was not about my goal. Robbie's might not have seemed as spectacular, but if you look at the build-up and movement it was equally as good.

"It was a great team performance. We worked very hard out there and got the reward. As far as my goal was concerned, the man showed me the inside and I drifted that way. I was going to pass but then decided to hit in and it flew in."

When asked about his reaction to the strike, he admitted: "I love scoring goals, I'm very passionate about it. "We got three points here tonight, but it won't matter a damn if we go on and lose the next two games. There's plenty of work to be done. We are in a better position going into the Croatia game after that win, but Mick is not a negative manager and I think we'll go there and try to get a result. "I am really enjoying my football. I wouldn't describe this as the best form of my life, I have only played six or seven games this season, but things are going well. That's my fifth game in the last couple of weeks so I'm looking forward to a little rest. I'm young so that shouldn't be a problem."

Ireland's other hero, on an evening of fine performances, Robbie Keane, explained the build-up to Ireland's first goal. "Quinnie usually wins those type of balls so I just gambled that he was going to do so and connected just right."

His muted goal celebrations - he normally enjoys a flip - were down to doctor's orders.

"I have a bad shoulder and the doc told me not to do a flip so I didn't. There is tremendous spirit in this team, it was a massive result. It leaves us favourites in the group, but there are two more big games coming our way and we have to make sure that we play as well in those."

A perfect evening for the Irish team incorporated a little bit of history when Tony Cascarino came off the bench in the 77th minute to win his 84th cap, breaking the record held by Paul McGrath: remarkably 45 of those caps have come as a substitute.

He enjoyed the landmark: "I have broken the first record and hopefully I will get a chance to break the other, the goalscoring one.

"I will stay on until the end of Euro 2000 and we'll have to see what happens during that time. I thought the game could have gone either way, there were three excellent goals, so it was great that we finished on the right side."

Mick McCarthy's team had reason to thank goalkeeper Alan Kelly who produced an outstanding double save early in the first half.

Kelly modestly conceded: "I was very pleased, it's nice to do your bit. I have put in a hell of a lot of hard work and the move to Blackburn has done me the world of good. The gaffer, Brian Kidd, works us very hard and I am feeling the benefit.

"Yeah, I was worried there at one stage when they got the equaliser, but when Mark Kennedy cut inside the whole ground held its breath. It must have moved 10 yards in the air. I almost felt sorry for the other goalkeeper. This result keeps us on the right track."

Kenny Cunningham admitted that he was still wary after Ireland had taken the lead. "They are a good side with some very good players but we showed a lot of character to pick the game up when they scored and come back strongly at them. Mark Kennedy's was a fantastic goal. The game did seem to drag on for an eternity, but I think it is a credit to everyone that we kept our concentration and hung in there.

"The easiest thing in the world would have been to make a mistake and let them in for a chance. Croatia will be difficult opponents, especially after this match, but they will know that they have to beat us if they want to qualify from this group as winners."