Image: ©INPHO/Ryan ByrneRepublic of Ireland opened their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win in Victoria Stadium, Gibraltar.
Image: ©INPHO/Ryan ByrneJeff Hendrick opened the scoring on 49 minutes after slotting the ball home from a David McGoldrick pass. The Dubliner converted to the bottom right-hand corner just minutes after the break.
Image: ©INPHO/James CrombieUEFA EuroThe Gibraltan's sole effort came just after the break but did little else to trouble Darren Randolph for the remainder of the game.
image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Aston Villa's Conor Hourihane was the standout performer for Mick McCarthy's side in the horrific coastal conditions.
Image: ©INPHO/Ryan ByrneThe game's flow was hindered after multiple misplaced passes on the plastic surface in the blustery conditions.
Image: ©INPHO/James CrombieIn all honesty, the game was a scrappy affair but Mick McCarthy will be content after securing a vital three points on his return to the Ireland hot seat. 
Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie
The 'Boys in Green' maintained a comfortable 63% possession with 12 shots on goal to the host's 8 in the group D win.
Image: ©INPHO/James CrombieIn the group's other game Switzerland defeated Georgia by 2-0 in Tbilisi.
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