Keane - Goal set Ireland on their way.

By Mike Tyas

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It's entirely appropriate that the side from the land of leprechauns should write another chapter in what is a remarkable World Cup fairytale.

The men in green did brilliantly to even reach the finals but to progress to a likely meeting against Spain from such a potentially tough group speaks volumes for Mick McCarthy and his team, especially after the Roy Keane affair.

The performance against Saudi Arabia may not have been their very best, particularly in the first half, but who is worried about that?

The Irish got off to a perfect start through Robbie Keane's splendid volley early on and then endured half a hour of torment as the Saudis slowed the game down and frustrated the Irish.

But McCarthy must have the gift of the gab as another half-time pep talk reaped the dividends when Gary Breen steered in a classy volley following a free-kick.

Breen is out of contract at Coventry but surely will have won himself a place back in the Premiership after yet another inspired performance in an Irish jersey.

McCarthy had brought on the talismanic Niall Quinn at half-time and his presence on the park, perhaps more than his actual performance, lifted the Irish lads in the second half.

The nerves that were very evident before the second goal vanished and Damien Duff richly deserved his goal, albeit helped by Dog and Duck goalkeeping by the Saudi Arabia custodian.

The Republic were in a right old mess just days before the World Cup started and their world looked like it was falling apart as Roy Keane jetted off home to Manchester.

But now it's a case of Roy who?

McCarthy said he will be judged by the Irish public when he arrives home - and surely, like Jack Charlton before him, he will be hailed a hero, whatever happens from here on in.

But, before that, there's plenty of partying and drinking to be done.

Cheers!