Football Gallery

A whistlestop look back in pictures at the Euro 2012 qualifier that saw Trap's Republic of Ireland squad beat Macedonia 2-1.

Ireland beat Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, thanks to an early goal from Aiden McGeady after less than two minutes, and a second goal from Robbie Keane, who made the most of a opportunity he was given by Macedonia's jittery keeper.

But it was no walk in the park, with Ivan Tirckovski scoring for the visitors just before half time.

After the break, Macedonia seemed rejuvinated and came and made il Trap's men work to keep their lead.

Aside from the goals, terrier-like Shane Long received a nasty kick to the head that saw him wear a bandage for most of the game. Whether it was because he was being marked by the giant frame of Goran Popov, or whether his injury was to blame, but Long lacked his usual ability to get up and head the ball.

Kevin Doyle was forced to leave the pitch with an injury that could see him out for a couple of months.

And just before the final whistle, Glasgow-born Wigan player James McCartney ended all the speculation over whether he would choose to play for Scotland or Ireland, by coming out onto the pitch to replace captain Robbie Keane to a rapturous round of applause.