Trapattoni’s position has been under scrutiny since last summer’s failure at Euro 2012 – not to mention a 6-1 hammering by Germany last autumn – but they have still not lost an away qualifier under the Italian.

Trapattoni said: “I think this 90 minutes is a good result.

“Sweden have not forgotten how to score four goals, as they did against Germany.

“We started and in the first minutes we had a great opportunity with Shane Long.

“He could strike better but it was a good opportunity. Afterwards the game had a good balance.

“I don’t know if Sweden were afraid about us but we were not afraid of them.

“For us it was very important not to concede a goal, or concede a defeat.

“Now we have played nine games without losing away.

“We are slowly changing some players in this team and the young players are getting more confident.

“I am sure we can increase this in the future, with this group.”

Ireland dominated the opening 20 minutes but Sweden then came into the game and had the better chances.

Millwall goalkeeper David Forde came to their rescue on his first competitive start, saving superbly from Tobias Hysen in the first half and also keeping out an awkward Kim Kallstrom free-kick.

His most dramatic save came in the last minute when he palmed away a powerful effort from Rasmus Elm.

Trapattoni, who selected Forde ahead of Sunderland’s Keiren Westwood, said: “I am very confident with Forde. Congratulations to him for this.”

Trapattoni has reshaped his side since the European Championship and feels they are developing well.

They now return to Dublin to face Austria next Tuesday in another fixture important to their qualification hopes.

Trapattoni, 74, said: “We have slowly increased our personality but now we have a very difficult game.

“Austria won tonight and scored many goals, they are a very strong team.

“It will be a great opportunity for us to achieve second in the table.

“With a victory in the next game we can also have an opportunity to qualify.”