Damien Duff happy with Republic Nations win over Wales

Damien Duff celebrates after scoring the Republic's second goal

Damien Duff said that the Republic of Ireland's Nations Cup win over Wales augured well for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers.

Duff, Darron Gibson and Keith Fahey were all on target as the Republic ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in Dublin.

"It's nice to get the points on the board in this competition," said Duff.

"This is a chance of silverware and we are in with a good chance, but the most important thing is qualifying for the European Championships."

Duff added: "The Welsh lads made us work for it, but we played well and thoroughly deserved the win."

Everton defender Seamus Coleman was delighted after earning his first Republic cap in the victory.

"Finally getting my first cap for Ireland was great and getting a good 60 minutes under my felt was brilliant," said the Donegal man.

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"It was a fantastic win and a good confidence boost for our next games."

The Irish will be in action next on 26 March in their European Championship qualifier against Macedonia in Dublin.

Wales captain James Collins rued individual errors as Gary Speed's first game in charge ended in a comprehensive defeat at the Aviva Stadium.

"We went in at half-time quite happy as they had not created that many chances," said the Aston Villa defender.

"But we made individual errors which cost us, and that has been the case in the past and we need to cut those out if we are to move on.

"But this is the start of a long campaign under the new manager."