Monday 13 October 2014 10:38, UK
Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill was content with his side's performance in the 7-0 thrashing of Gibraltar in Dublin.
It was one-way traffic for the Republic as Robbie Keane helped himself to a 12-minute hat-trick with further goals from James McClean (2), Wes Hoolahan and a comical own goal from Gibraltar goalkeeper Jordan Perez.
O'Neill felt his players did everything that was asked of them against a Gibraltar side competing in their first ever qualifying tournament as he prepares for a tougher test against world champions Germany next week.
"It was nice to get the early goal in the game and the goals coming early in the second half as well," O'Neill told Sky Sports. "I thought we got a little bit sloppy in the last 20 minutes but outside that I'm very, very pleased.
"We talked about it all week, about getting off to a good start, about getting the momentum and impetus very quickly. That was very important for us - we're the home team, it's up to us to press forward and we did that.
"We have not got any serious injuries, just a couple of knocks and bruises, now we can concentrate on Germany."
O'Neill was, however, reluctant to weigh into the debate about whether Europe's footballing minnows should be allowed to take part in qualifying due to the largely one-sided nature of such matches.
"It's not really a question for this evening," added O'Neill, adding that Gibraltar should be given a chance to show what they can do as newcomers to the international stage.
"For Gibraltar, this is only their second game in real competition and in time perhaps people will forget about it."
