McCarthy on a high

Mick McCarthy was happy with Ireland's 2-0 win

Mick McCarthy insisted his Republic of Ireland team were good value for their 2-0 win over Iran in Saturday's World Cup play-off first leg match at Lansdowne Road.

Goals from Leeds duo Ian Harte and Robbie Keane give McCarthy's men a 2-0 advantage to take into Thursday's second leg in Tehran.

However, the Irish boss could be without Steve Staunton and Niall Quinn for that contest as both picked up back injuries in Saturday's game.

The Irish boss said: "It's a good start. We're 2-0 up at half time - that's the way we look at it.

"I think it was a good performance and I think we deserved to win.

"It was a great game for the neutral but heart-rending stuff for managers.

I haven't seen the replay but I thought it was a penalty

Mick McCarthy

"They came with a game plan, with five at the back and three in the middle - even Ali Daei was tackling.

"It was going to be hard to break them down but to get the opportunity just before half-time relaxed us all.

"We worked hard for an hour then some of our lads got leg-weary."

Shay Given made two excellent saves to preserve the Ireland advantage but McCarthy joked: "He had nothing else to do but that's what he's paid for.

"He's a fantastic goalkeeper. To be my number one when he's got Alan Kelly and Dean Kiely breathing down his neck is some achievement".

McCarthy added that he felt the referee had been correct in awarding the first half penalty.

Steve Staunton is a doubt for Thursday's game

"It came at the right time for us and Ian showed great nerve to take it with such aplomb".

"I haven't seen the replay but I thought it was a penalty.

The manager said he expected Roy Keane to figure in the second leg after the Manchester United midfielder's troublesome knee injury had survived Saturday's test.

Skipper Keane, having missed Manchester United's last five matches, had one of his least effective performances for Ireland.

"He's fine. I've just spoken to him. He'll be going, no problem," said McCarthy.

Centre-back Staunton could be a doubt, though, after being substituted with a hamstring injury in the last 15 minutes.

But McCarthy said: "He thinks the trouble has come from his back rather than the hamstring."

Striker Quinn may also have to drop out although, like Keane, he lasted the full 90 minute.

Iran boss Miroslav Blazevic is still hopeful

The Sunderland striker complained to his team-mates of familiar back problems afterwards.

McCarthy said: "He got a lot of pushes in the back all through the game - but as far as I can see all the players are OK at the moment.

"I'm not ruling anybody out. We'll look at them all in the morning.

"It is too soon now to see how bad any injuries are - it's the day after when people can suffer reaction," added the Irish manager.

Goalkeeping hero Given acknowledged the tie was far from over.

"We hope 2-0 will be enough, although I'd like to think we can get a goal out there which will mean they'll need four.

"Hopefully my saves will be important and we'll get through.

It will be difficult but the task is not unapproachable

Iran boss Miroslav Blazevic

"It's so close now we're nearly touching it - hopefully we can get there.

Iran boss Miroslav Blazevic said his team could still win the tie.

Blazevic, previously said he would hang himself from the crossbar in Tehran if his side failed to make the finals and joked:"That's one more important reason to eliminate Ireland.

"It will be difficult but the task is not unapproachable.

"Ireland deserved to win 2-0 but I was pleased with the attitude of my players.

"They showed their capacity for attack when they had to and that's what gives me hope for the second match.

"My big regret is that we didn't take some of our chances here - but there is still a reason for optimism."