Analysis: A very entertaining game and one that will stand Ireland in good stead when they go on to play Switzerland in the pivotal final game of the European Championship qualifying campaign.

It would be churlish not to acknowledge the quality of Turkey's play at Lansdowne Road last night; the pace, movement, passing, first touch and vision. In this respect Tugay was sensational and could have played the game in his pipe and slippers.

Ireland have different qualities and that too was in evidence on the night.

We stick at it, are a very game side and make things very difficult for the opposition. We are not, however, on the same level as the Turks. Last night they showed why they are one of the top six teams in the world. The quality of their play in the final third of the pitch was outstanding and was evident in both their goals.

On each occasion the ball was controlled with a first touch and then whipped in, not to anyone in particular but placing the onus on the forwards to get on the end of the crosses. You could quibble that the Irish defence was very static for the second but the quality of their delivery was exceptional.

I was pleasantly surprised by David Connolly's performance as I didn't think he had some of the qualities he showed in this match. He probably won't start against Switzerland but last night's display showed he would be a decent option coming off the bench.

Turkey asked a lot of questions defensively of Ireland and, to be honest, we didn't have many answers but we hung in there and rode our luck to a certain extent.

Against the Swiss we're going to have to get a lot tighter and deny them space between their midfield and forwards, otherwise we'll be picked off. From that perspective I would like to see Matt Holland and Mark Kinsella start as the preferred central midfield.

They protect the back four and win ball, breaking down opposition attacks and when Ireland have played well going back to the Roy Keane days that's the shape that brings the best out of the team. It would allow others to get after the Swiss, secure in the knowledge that the two boys would act as buffers down the middle.

It's important to go there in a positive vein and so Steven Reid on the right and Kevin Kilbane on the left with Robbie Keane and Damien Duff up front would endorse that mindset.

The Turks gave Ireland an inkling of what they will face in that final group match because the Swiss will look to keep possession. We cannot afford to give the Swiss midfield the same room we gave the Turks last night or we'll be in real trouble.

In some respect the Turkish game was a humbling experience but an important lesson. Ireland will have to chase the ball, close down quickly and when in possession use the ball intelligently. It'll be down to taking the odd chance or two.

As far as tonight's game between Russia and Switzerland is concerned, I would hope to see the Swiss triumph. It clarifies the position in the group from an Irish context in that with the Swiss virtually guaranteed to win the group, they'll have less to play for when they host Ireland in the final match.

Our objective then will be simple; we'll be playing for a place in the play-offs, albeit having to win in Switzerland to guarantee that.

Last Saturday showed the limitations of this Irish team in terms of the lack of quality in creative terms. Ireland gave the ball away far too often and were labouring with a couple of players who simply lacked match practice.

The Swiss scout who attended the game pointed out that Ireland were a far better team when they hadn't got the ball. He confirmed Switzerland's game plan would be to make sure they don't lose in Russia tonight and the best way to achieve that is to try to score a goal.

The Swiss aren't too concerned about Russia's performance in getting the draw here.

The Russians were neat and tidy in possession but didn't really have that cutting edge. They also questioned whether a few ageing Russian limbs would be able to pull out back-to-back performances on a Saturday-Wednesday.

Switzerland, in contrast, didn't play a match in that period. They will be cautious initially but will hope to nick a goal and draw the Russians onto them. The Swiss certainly possess the creativity in midfield to cause the home side problems, something that Ireland were largely incapable of doing.

I think it'll probably end in a draw but would hope the Swiss might just nick a win.

(In an interview with John O'Sullivan)