Republic cruise to routine win against Gibraltar

Evan Ferguson scores his third international goal against Gibraltar

The Republic of Ireland got back to winning ways with a routine 4-0 victory against Gibraltar in Faro on Monday.

It was the required response from the Republic, following their disappointing 2-0 defeat against Greece on Friday.

That loss ended their hopes of automatically qualifying for Euro 2024.

Kenny opted to make three changes to the side that lost in deflating circumstances in Dublin, as he looked for more attacking impetus amidst increasing scrutiny about his position as manager.

He had stated before the game that he wanted his side to finish a miserable campaign on a high and the Republic showed much more going forward in this game than they had offered in any of their other five Group B games.

The introduction of Jamie McGrath and Mikey Johnston certainly paid dividends, with the Republic dominating the contest from start to finish in a professional performance in Portugal in front of a 3,000 strong Irish support.

They opened the scoring on eight minutes with their first clear-cut chance of the game, after a patient start to the contest as they probed to try and carve out an opportunity.

Chiedozie Ogbene slipped in Doherty on the overlap on the right hand side and his teasing low delivery was met by Ferguson, with the Brighton striker producing a cushioned volley finish into the roof of the net.

After a lull in the game, the Republic increased the tempo again midway through the half, before Johnston doubled their advantage with his second international goal.

Doherty was again the provider as the Wolves defender fizzed in a low cross to Johnston, who charged into the area and hit the post with his initial effort before reacting fastest to convert the rebound.

Doherty then got on the scoresheet himself in the second half, heading home from close range after an acrobatic flick from McGrath from Johnston's corner.

Substitute Callum Robinson added a fourth with ten minutes remaining, glancing past Dayle Coleing from McGrath's pinpoint delivery, as the Republic equalled their biggest ever win under Kenny, which came against Qatar in October 2021.

It was a morale boosting win against a team who have now lost all 44 of their World Cup and European qualifiers, but further questions surrounding Kenny's future, which he refused to answer in this international window, will be brought up again when the qualifying campaign ends in Amsterdam against the Netherlands next month.

More to follow.