Skipper Séamus Coleman scored the winner in the 56th minute, with the Everton full back going on a solo run from just inside the Georgian half, taking on three players along the way, and tapping home from close range after two ricochets somehow left him in possession on the goal line.

It was cruel luck on a Georgia side who had created better chances in the first half, but Walters argued Ireland deserved the win for their improved second half performance.

“It's a win, we'll take that all day,” said the Stoke attacker. “Three points was the main target today and we got it, it's Moldova on Sunday now, it's a great start to the group.

“We struggled [in the first half], to be perfectly honest, but we got into it and we limited their chances,” he added.

“We got a right rollicking at half time, between us and the manger, we came out in the second half, pressed them higher up and I think we got a lot better.”

Walters volleyed a half chance over the post as the first half came to a close, but it was full back Coleman who eventually showed the way to the goal.

“It was fitting for the captain to get [the goal] today,” Walters said. “He makes those runs all day, and what a great run from him, he deserved it in the end.”

Robbie Brady left the field before full time with a head injury that saw him floored for several minutes, and is certain to miss Sunday's game in Moldova, while Jeff Hendrick will also miss out thanks to a careless second half booking.

Shane Long might also be a doubt after going down late on with a leg injury.

“That's what qualifiers are all about, we have to regroup,” Walter said. “It's a tough game against Moldova, but hopefully we can get three goals again.”