Home delights for Kerr's Ireland

Republic of Ireland 1-0 Norway
Brian Kerr had a successful home bow as Republic of Ireland manager with a 1-0 victory against Norway in Dublin.

Run extended
Kerr's opening matches in charge had been away wins in Scotland and Georgia and a draw in Albania. Despite being forced to field a makeshift team due to the absence of several English Premiership players for this friendly, the Irish manager was able to extend his unbeaten run.

New lineup
Wimbledon FC striker David Connolly was paired with Robbie Keane in attack by Kerr, who handed goalkeeper Shay Given his 50th cap. He also used Damien Duff in what as to prove an inspired free role. Meanwhile, Norway coach Johan Semb was able to field Valencia CF forward John Carew following his recent international suspension against Luxembourg. He played alongside Sigurd Rushfeldt, who scored in that 2-0 UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying win.

Duff scores
Keane had two good chances in the first ten minutes, as Ireland showed their intentions early. And on 17 minutes, Duff gave the home team the lead, when Keane fed Tottenham Hotspur FC team-mate Stephen Carr, and his cross found the Blackburn Rovers FC player, who shot in at the second attempt.

Good chance
Duff almost set up Mark Kinsella to double the lead after some brilliant skill from the goalscorer, but veteran goalkeeper Frode Olsen produced a fine save from a fine volley. The balance of the first half was confirmed when Kerr chose not to make any changes at the break, while Semb introduced Tore André Flo, Torjus Hansen and goalkeeper Erik Holtan.

Strong save
However, the home side retained the initiative, and Carr hit the underside of the crossbar eight minutes into the second half with an opportunist shot from a tight angle. Irish substitute goalkeeper Nicky Colgan made a strong save from a Flo header with his first touch on 64 minutes, but the chances dried up, as Kerr was able to give two men their debut - Rotherham FC striker Alan Lee and Sheffield Wednesday FC midfield player Alan Quinn.

'Different style'
Kerr said: "We made a lot of changes and played a different style to the last few matches. It was one of the smallest teams ever on the pitch for Ireland and we had to deal with an aerial bombardment - but we handled it very well." His team received more good news with Georgia's 1-0 EURO 2004™ victory against Russia, that keeps fourth-placed Ireland within two points of the defeated side, who are second in Group 10.

Return to action
Ireland return to action with home games against Albania and Georgia in June. Meanwhile, Norway are three points clear at the top of Group 3. They visit second-placed Denmark on 7 June before a home fixture with Romania four days later.