Robbie Keane grabbed himself a hat-trick as the Republic of Ireland maintained an unbeatean start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign as they smashed seven passed minnows Gibraltar in a 7-0 victory.
All time leading scorer Keane scored three times within the 12 first-half minutes to wrap up a second successive Group D victory.
Winning his 136th cap, keane has now scored 65 senior international goals, only three fewer than West Germany star Gerd Muller, whose haul of 68 came in just 62 appearances for his country.
Further goals in the second half with James McClean adding a double either side of keeper Jordan Perez’s own goal, and Wes Hoolahan completed the route with a fine individual display in the 59th minutes.
Although Martin O’Neill’s men were expected to win the game and win it handsomely, but they did so in style which will have pleased those who have criticised Ireland’s struggles in recent years to dispose of weaker opposition so emphatically.
Ireland currently sit top of the group with 6 points after 2 games. They now travel to Germany on Tuesday evening, with a daunting challenge of taking on the current world champions Germany.