Other than Robbie Keane’s double, which ensured he became the Republic’s all-time leading goalscorer with 23 to his credit, Ireland spurned 24 other chances, the majority of which were gilt edged.

Fortunately for Ireland, FIFA guidelines stipulate that a team’s overall goal difference is only the fourth criteria used to separate nations should they be level on points at the end of a campaign.

Nevertheless, despite the euphoria surrounding Keane’s moment in the spotlight, in the cold light of day, the catalogue of opportunities missed will perhaps be looked upon with slight consternation.

“We didn’t get the goals we deserved and there was a sense of frustration in the second half when that happened,” said Newcastle goalkeeper Given.

“We’ve done well enough getting to the final third, but we just didn’t get the finishes, and hopefully it won’t cost us at the end.

“But we did get the two goals and the three points, which is the most important thing, and we’re in a good position going into the new year.

“We’ve played the two toughest games in Switzerland and France away, so we have to be happy with being joint top of the group at this stage. We can’t complain too much.”

Nottingham Forest winger Andy Reid was another who felt Ireland should have had more than the two goals they did score, but he knows the win was all that mattered at the end of the day.

“We’re disappointed we didn’t get more goals because we created a lot,” reflected Reid. “We were a little bit unlucky, but they made a lot of last-ditch tackles and the ‘keeper made some good saves.

“But I thought we played some tremendous football to create the chances, and at the end of it all we did get the three points.

“Although there’s a little bit of a break before the next competitive games, I’m sure we can regroup and build again from here.”