AT last, a reason to be cheerful. Steve Staunton's side did what the rugby team couldn't and won first-time out at Croke Park. More importantly, they kept alive faint hopes of Euro 2008 qualification and provided a riposte for Roy Keane. More importantly still, it came out of an inspired decision that has, for the foreseeable future at least, kept the manager in his job.

Ireland had started with yet another baffling team formation from Staunton. Rather than send out a team loaded with Premiership talent in positions they're used to, he opted to bring in Jonathan Douglas from Leeds United and push Damien Duff to a free role up front. It's often hard to see who exactly Staunton is trying to surprise with such decisions, the opposition or his players, and indeed it took Ireland a while to adapt. However, half-way through Staunton changed tack, switching Stephen Ireland with Duff and providing the moment . . . and impetus . . .

for Ireland's most significant competitive victory since the home win against Georgia way back in June 2003.

Still question marks remain however. The first 25 minutes was dreary stuff, Ireland's attitude in the challenge offset by their consternation with what to do with the ball once in possession. A long hit to the roaming Duff was the frequent choice, yet he was being far too closely marked by the Welsh backline, most notably Lewis Nyatanga. The one flash of inspiration came on 20 minutes when Douglas cut through and played a reverse ball over the top for Robbie Keane. The captain's finish . . .

like so many recently for Ireland . . . was wayward.

John Toshack's instructions to his players were glaringly obvious, and straight of the San Marino playbook . . . sit back, deny them space and release every ball to the front men as quickly as possible. Of course, San Marino's front men don't consist of Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy and, as Ireland attempted to put some sort of pattern of their game, they were warned of straying too far forward. Paul McShane had proved sharp when Giggs broke early on but he looked anything but on the half-hour, when a Richard Dunne slip allowed Bellamy in on goal. The Liverpool striker feigned outside before twisting, and only a typically swift intervention from Shay Given spared his centre-halves any embarrassment.

Ireland's inability to hold the ball had allowed for those chances, and it was becoming apparent Staunton's gameplan wasn't working. As such, he made a decision that could well turn out to be one of the most important of his Irish managerial career. Duff was switched with Ireland on the right, bringing an immediate balance and vigour to the side.

Straight away a half-chance was crafted, Keane picking the pocket of James Collins only to be pushed too far wide to capitalise. Moments later, Keane turned provider, playing a beautifully weighted through ball for Duff. The winger was left one-on-one with Danny Coyne but, on his right foot, could only produce a tepid shot.

Wales failed to learn their lesson though. Only two minutes later, Keane found himself in an identical position and played an identical pass. This time however it was to the inform Ireland and he coolly rounded Coyne before lifting the ball over two Welsh challenges and into the corner of the net. Ireland were in charge going into half-time and, such was the dire shape Wales were in, looked to have the game there for the taking.

However, the second half resumed and the lukewarm, complacent attitude of the players seemed to return.

Wales were being given far too much time on the ball. Not that they could make it count though. McShane and Dunne were barely troubled at the back and it wasn't until the 72nd minute that they managed to fashion a chance of significance, Bellamy scuffing his shot after Giggs flashed a ball across the centre.

A complete dearth of imagination was essentially gifting Ireland the points and, with Wales throwing more forward, they had many opportunities to seal it long before the 90 minutes were up. Kevin Kilbane had a header saved at the near post before substitute Kevin Doyle scuffed a shot against the post. On 84 minutes only a desperate lastditch challenge prevented Keane from sealing the win.

Like those chances, that the three points owed arguably more to Wales's inadequacy than Ireland's quality will matter little. Staunton has three points, and for the time being, his job.