Filed under: Football, Match Reports
Robbie Keane finally had something to cheer after a difficult campaign with two goals in the Republic of Ireland's humiliation of neighbours Northern Ireland.The striker has struggled at club level after being frozen out at Tottenham and ended the season unable to break into the starting line-up during an unsuccessful loan spell at relegated West Ham.
But he provided a reminder of his talents with an excellent finish for his side's second goal and converting the 53rd minute penalty awarded when Keane himself was upended by Adam Thompson, the Northern Ireland full-back who was sent off for the offence.
The Spurs man would have had a hat-trick but for an outstanding save by Alan Blayney - one of the few moments of quality from a Northern Ireland side that had been ravaged by injuries and withdrawals.
Blayney had been badly at fault for the home side's opening goal, spilling the ball into Stephen Ward's path.
Left-back Lee Hodson was then at fault for the second, playing a back pass into the path of Keane, and a shocking first half for the visitors was complete when Craig Cathcart turned the ball into his own net.
Thompson's sending off ended any hopes Nigel Worthington's side had of at least claiming a consolation goal in the first meeting between the two sides since 1999.
And Simon Cox wrapped up the scoring ten minutes from time when he marked his international debut with a left foot strike.
The Republic of Ireland head the Carling Nations Cup table with two wins from two games ahead of their final clash with Scotland.
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