Whelan on target in Republic win

Sep 6 2008

Glenn Whelan's first senior international goal cemented an opening World Cup qualifying victory for the Republic of Ireland as they eased past 2-1 Georgia in Mainz.

Leading 1-0 at the break through Kevin Doyle's 13th-minute header, Giovanni Trapattoni's side might have doubled their advantage when Robbie Keane's 57th-minute shot came back off the post.

However, Whelan made sure of the points with a long-range 70th-minute strike after the Georgians had briefly threatened a fightback, although Levan Kenia collected a consolation strike deep into injury time.