Republic overpower Andorra

Roy Keane celebrates with Ian Harte after the penalty

The Republic of Ireland strengthened their position in Group Two with a convincing 3-0 victory over Andorra in Barcelona.

Ian Harte put Mick McCarthy's side ahead on 33 minutes from the penalty spot after Roy Keane was brought down by keeper Sanchez.

But though the Irish then dominated proceedings they had to wait until the 75th minute to extend their lead.

Roy and Robbie Keane combined to create the opportunity for Sunderland's Kevin Kilbane to net from close range.

And Ipswich midfielder Matt Holland, playing in place of Mark Kinsella, scored the third four minutes later after making space for himself in the area and crashing a right-foot effort past Sanchez.

Matt Holland netted his second goal for the Republic

Andorra slipped to their 17th straight international defeat but then they expected little more as they got plenty of men behind the ball at every occasion.

The victory should have been by a far greater margin, but the Republic wasted numerous chance with Robbie Keane the main culprit.

The Leeds striker blasted his best opportunity over the bar two minutes before the break.

Roy Keane lifted the ball over the defence for Robbie Keane to run on to but with only the keeper to beat he failed to hit the target.

Roy Keane was in outstanding form and he laid on another great opportunity for his namesake on 69 minutes, only to see exactly the same result.

But the late strikes from Kilbane and Holland put a more realistic scoreline on proceedings.

Kilbane was forced to leave the action in the closing minutes with a facial injury and was replaced by Steve Finnan.

Robbie Keane's own personal nightmare was completed in the final minute when he was just inches away from connecting with a Damien Duff cross.

---

Andorra: Alfonso Sanchez, Pol, Jonas, Antoni Lima, Delfons Lima, Tchema, Oscar, Juli Sanchez, Ruiz, Emiliano, Lucendo. Subs: Ayla, Poli, Escura, Soria, Benet, Jimenez, Genis.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Gary Kelly, Cunningham, Breen, Harte, Duff, Holland, Roy Keane, Kilbane, Connolly, Robbie Keane. Subs: Doherty, Finnan, McAteer, Carsley, Farrelly, Delap, Alan Kelly.

Referee: I Ishchenko (Ukraine)