Keane dedicates win to Staunton

Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane hoped Wednesday's 4-0 win over Denmark in Aarhus might have lifted the mood of manager Steve Staunton.

Staunton's father Tom died this week after a long illness and a minute's silence was observed before the game.

"Hopefully tonight we have put a little smile on his face, although obviously it won't make up for what he and his family have gone through," said Keane.

Both Keane and Reading striker Shane Long scored twice in Wednesday's win.

"It's always nice as a striker to score goals and to get a win," added Keane.

"This will get our confidence up with two important games coming up (Euro 2008 qualifiers away to Slovakia and Czech Republic).

"Denmark are a good side and a good test but we showed tonight with the young lads we have what a good side we can be.

"We showed great confidence on the ball and we kept the ball really, really well."

Staunton was spared the task of speaking at the post-match press conference but his assistant Kevin MacDonald hailed the Republic's display.

"We are delighted to have won 4-0 away from home, but it might have been different if they hadn't hit the bar and Wayne (Henderson) hadn't made some good saves at 0-0," said MacDonald.

"But it is a tremendous boost to go to Slovakia and the Czech Republic with. If you were marking all the players tonight, they would all have scored seven or above out of 10."

MacDonald paid particular tribute to debutant Darron Gibson, who came on at half-time in a move the Republic hope will help to end the wrangle with Northern Ireland over his international eligibility.

The 19-year-old Manchester United player smashed a long-range shot goalwards with his first touch, which Jesper Christiansen could only parry into Long's path for Ireland's third.

MacDonald reports the recent furore has not affected the youngster, who was a belated call-up by Staunton from the under-21s squad.

"It was good for Darron, and he did very very well," said MacDonald.

"I don't think it really affected him. He's quite a level-headed young man, and we hope he will keep progressing."

MacDonald also hailed the contribution of midfielder Andy Reid, who returned to the starting line-up following a lengthy absence with a hamstring strain.

"Andy had a very good game. He knows himself that he has got great passing ability - but now we have quite a lot of players like Stephen Ireland who can also perform that role."

Source: BBC Sport