Opening burst enough for Irish

Robbie Keane scored the Republic's second goal

Republic of Ireland 2-0 Russia

Goals from Steven Reid and Robbie Keane gave the Republic of Ireland a hard-earned win over Russia in the friendly international at Lansdowne Road.

The Republic produced a tremendous opening quarter to rock their fellow World Cup qualifiers.

Celtic's Colin Healy, currently on loan at Coventry, looked very composed in the first half before being substituted at the interval.

Such was the Healy's impact, he was later named man of the match.

The Russians came more into the game in the second quarter and the trend continued after half-time.

Millwall's Steven Reid hit Ireland's first goal

Mick McCarthy made an amazing 12 substitutions after half-time.

Inevitably the Irish lost their shape somewhat, which enabled the visitors to create a number of great chances.

Millwall midfielder Reid, earning only his second cap, gave the Republic the perfect start after just 140 seconds.

He rifled home a 20-yard right-foot drive which squirmed under the body of Ruslan Nigmatullin.

Reid was clearly out to impress and came close to a second three minutes later.

This time he drilled in a left-foot shot which Nigmatullin initially failed to hold before pouncing on the loose ball ahead of Robbie Keane.

Ireland dominated the opening quarter and it took an outstanding save from Nigmatullin in the 19th minute to deny a fierce Robbie Keane effort.

However, the out-of-favour Leeds striker doubled the home advantage moments later when he headed a Steve Finnan cross past Nigmatullin.

With Ireland having taken their foot off the gas, the crossbar then denied Russia in the 33rd minute with Bestchastnykh beating Given with another a firm header.

Kevin Kilbane attempts a run for the Irish

It was Russia who were now in control. After 40 minutes Nikiforov flicked on a Karpin corner, and it was only a diving header interception from O'Brien which denied Titov from scoring at the far post.

McCarthy made seven changes at half-time, the most significant of which were the introduction of Charlton goalkeeper Dean Kiely and Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison for their fifth and fourth caps.

With all the substitutions the sting had been taken out of the game.

Chances were few and far between before Ian Harte hit the post with a free-kick in the 68th minute.

The Russians pressed hard in the closing quarter but a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping from Kiely denied the visitors.

However, Morrison nearly put a hugely flattering look to the scoreline with a late snapshot which hit a post.

---

Republic of Ireland: Given, Finnan, O'Brien, Cunningham, Harte, Reid, Healy, Roy Keane, Kilbane, Duff, Robbie Keane. Subs: Gary Kelly, Carsley, Holland, Dunne, Kiely, Breen, McAteer, Kennedy, Morrison, Sadlier, Staunton.

Russia: Nigmatullin, Khlestov, Kovtun, Yuri Nikiforov, Onopko, Khokhlov, Alenichev, Titov, Mostovoi, Karpin, Bestchastnykh. Subs: Filimonov, Chugainov, Daev, Semak, Gusev, Panov, Izmailov, Kariaka, Sychen.

Referee: D Gallagher (England)