A wonder double from Aiden McGeady got Ireland’s Euro 2016 campaign off to the perfect start with a 2-1 win away to Georgia tonight.
The former Celtic midfielder scored a stunning goal in the 89th minute to get Martin O’Neill’s squad off to the perfect start on the road to France.
After almost a year of friendly matches shaping his squad the serious action began in Tblisi for O’Neill with the Everton man showing the goal touch that has often been lacking from his international appearances.
With a draw looking likely McGeady tamed a pass into the edge of the penalty box, performed a Cruyff turn to lose his marker then struck a majestic shot into the roof of the net.
Next up for Ireland is a home clash with Gibraltar which should provide the perfect platform for full points to open up Group D which looks like being a four way battle involving Poland, Scotland and Georgia for second place behind Germany.
Ireland had taken the lead in the 24th minute when James McCarthy cut open the Georgian defence allowing his Everton team-mate McGeady to flash a shot across the keeper into the corner of the net.
That looked good enough to give Ireland a lead going into the interval but an incredible solo effort from Tornike Okriashvili leveled the scores in the 39th minute.
Ireland had the balance of possession in the second half but were finding chances hard to come by with McGeady the main creator down the left.
Robbie Keane was replaced by Shane Long in the 76th minute but with a draw looking likely McGeady scored a wonder goal as the road to France opened up for a clutch of former Celts involved in the Irish set up.