Republic Of Ireland's manager Jim Kerr was under immense pressure coming in to this must win game against Cyprus, who would have thought that, following the early heady days of their World Cup campaign, the Emerald Isle would be trying to eek out qualification via the play offs at this stage in the tournament. Constant media speculation as to whether Manchester United's Roy Keane will be taking over as manager in the near future, had not helped in the build up to the match.

The Republic of Ireland made three enforced changes for the vital game in Cyprus. Wigan's Graham Kavanagh, Sunderland's Stephen Elliott and Steve Finnan replaced the suspended trio of Roy Keane, Clinton Morrison and Andy Reid.

It didn't take long for the lads from the Emerald Isle to shine, with just five minutes on the clock, the visitors had the perfect start, as Robbie Keane set up Stephen Elliott to volley home his first international goal from eight yards out.

Kerr and his team's fortunes also looked to be improving when, on the 14th minute, Cyprus were awarded a penalty, Shay Given stood firm, and made a superb save as he dived to his right to turn away Okkas' fiercely struck spot kick and keep Ireland in the lead.Shay Given is the Republic's hero again and again, thwarting shots from what seemed like the entire Cyprus forward line up, who, to their credit never ceased to try to get forward at every opportunity.

Clearly worried, Brian Kerr reshuffled his midfield at half-time with Matt Holland introduced for Steve Finnan and Damien Duff switched to the right flank and Kevin Kilbane now operating on the left. Duff won a free kick which Kilbane nodded wide from close range in the 57th minute but it was the Chelsea star's last involvement in the game with him having to be replaced by Steven Reid because of a knee injury.

Robbie Keane should have eased Irish nerves by adding a second goal in the 78th minute but Lambrou got back to make a brilliant last-ditch clearance.Cyprus put the Irish under some late pressure but Kerr's side hung on for the win which keeps alive their qualification hopes ahead of Wednesday's final group game against Switzerland in Dublin.

Cyprus: Panagiotou, Elia, Lambrou, Louka, Makrides, Michael, Aloneftis, Alonefits, Charalambidis, Okkarides, M Constantinou. Subs: Morfis, Georgiou, Maragos, Krassas, Yiasoumi, Andreas Constantinou, Filaniotis.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Carr, Dunne, Cunningham, O'Shea, Finnan, Kavanagh, Kilbane, Duff, Elliott, Keane. Subs: O'Brien, Reid, Harte, Holland, Kenny, Connolly, Doyle.

Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

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