O'Shea and Miller Aid Ireland to Victory

Manchester United duo John O'Shea and Liam Miller both received massive boosts from Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr after the pair both completed a full 90 minutes as the Irish beat Croatia 1-0.

Tottenham Hotspur's Robbie Keane proved to be the match winner following his 24th minute strike in front of a 30,000 Lansdowne Road crowd.

United and Ireland skipper Roy Keane missed the game however, but O'Shea's and Miller's performance compensated the loss of the midfielder.

Miller, whose position in the Red Devils side is uncertain, denied Bosko Balaban a goal by clearing the Croat's attempt off the goal-line.

Boss Brian Kerr was satisfied with the result, commenting: "It is up to players when they play in the matches in which they are picked to do the best they possibly can, and I think we got that from everyone in this game"

"They ran their guts out, were strong, determined and I think overall everyone has staked a claim since the first game this year in February"

He added: "It was crucial we put ourselves in contention in the group after the first four games, and that is what we have done"