The Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 qualification hopes have been well and truly reignited following a 4-0 victory over Gibraltar.
Friday's result in Faro lifted Martin O'Neill's side above Scotland into third place in Group D following the latter's defeat at the hands of Georgia earlier in the day.
And although the visitors' performance against the group whipping boys was largely underwhelming, a play-off place now looks to be firmly back on their radar.
It took Ireland 26 minutes to break down the home side's defence, but after Cyrus Christie got the ball rolling with his first international goal, Robbie Keane grabbed a brace early in the second half and Shane Long added the fourth late on.
O'Neill was forced into a late change when Seamus Coleman tweaked a hamstring in the warm-up and had to be replaced by Christie, but the manager was able to start midfielder James McCarthy, who had been in doubt due to a knee problem.
Clearly buoyed by news of Scotland's defeat in Tbilisi, Ireland made their intentions clear right from the opening whistle.
Keane was not to be denied for long, however, as he scored twice within the first six minutes of the second half to take his international tally to 67.
However, it was not until the 79th minute that substitute Long headed in his side's fourth goal of the night.
With all to play for now in Group D, Ireland will be desperate to secure back-to-back wins when they welcome Georgia to the Aviva Stadium on Monday, while Gibraltar face the daunting prospect of a trip to Warsaw to face Poland.
