Robinson hat-trick makes it a night to remember for Republic and Kenny
Callum Robinson bagged a superb hat-trick at the Aviva Stadium tonight as the Republic of Ireland men’s national team recorded an emphatic 4-0 success over Qatar in a one-sided international friendly.
Shane Duffy was also amongst the goals in a game that was played in front of 25,749 spectators at the Ballsbridge venue.
Coming hot on the heels of their 3-0 victory against Azerbaijan in the World Cup qualifiers on Saturday, this result will lift a further weight off the shoulders of manager Stephen Kenny.
Prior to last weekend, the Tallaght man had registered just one win from 16 games in charge.
However, he now has back-to-back triumphs under his belt for the first time and his side can look ahead to next month’s competitive fixtures against Portugal and Luxembourg with a greater level of confidence.
Despite Firhouse’s Gavin Bazunu making way for Caoimhin Kelleher between the sticks, there was still local interest to be found in this Irish team.
Drimnagh native Enda Stevens was named at left wing-back for what was his first international appearance since March.
Former St Patrick’s Athletic footballer Jamie McGrath was added to the midfield mix alongside Conor Hourihane and Jeff Hendrick, while ex-Cherry Orchard youth star Nathan Collins made his senior international debut off the bench in the closing-quarter.
Having shaken the net twice in Saturday’s long-awaited competitive win in Baku, this game once again belonged to West Bromwich Albion attacker Robinson.
After picking up possession just outside the area on four minutes, the 26-year-old unleashed a powerful strike that was deflected into the back of the Qatar net.
A dream few days for Robinson got even better in the 13th-minute, when he comfortably converted a penalty after McGrath was upended in the box.
Even though they are ranked seven places above Ireland in the world rankings (43rd), Qatar were offering very little to the game.
The visitors remained 2-0 adrift at the break, but breathed a sigh of relief when Chiedozie Ogbene headed against the crossbar off a Robinson cross.
The forthcoming World Cup hosts initially looked like they were going to step up their challenge on the resumption, but instead it was Ireland who continued to dominate the action.
Following a killer pass by Jeff Hendrick, Robinson fired home – via another deflection – at a right-hand angle to ensure he came away with the match ball.
While there now appears to be less reliance on Duffy to produce the goods off set-pieces for Ireland, he maintains a potent aerial threat.
He demonstrated this 14 minutes into the second half by powerfully heading home a Hourihane corner for his sixth international goal.
In stark contrast to the vast majority of their games under Kenny, the Ireland players were able to play in a relaxed fashion during the closing half-hour.
While we may have to wait another few weeks before his long-term future as international head coach is officially determined, the feel-good factor of the past week will certainly strengthen the former Shamrock Rovers boss’ claims for a new contract.
