Ireland cruise to comfortable win

Giovanni Trapattoni was handed a timely boost as the Republic of Ireland bounced back from their drubbing by Germany to ease past the Faroe Islands 4-1.

The first goal of Marc Wilson's senior international career handed the Republic a 46th-minute lead in Torshavn and when Jon Walters made it 2-0 seven minutes later, three World Cup qualification points looked to have been banked.

Substitute Arnbjorn Hansen reduced the deficit with 22 minutes remaining but defender Pol Justinussen's 73rd-minute own goal and Darren O'Dea's late header ended hopes of a fightback.