The Irish, who extended their unbeaten run to seven games, face Belgium in Galway on September 1 and a positive result there should be enough to send them through to a two-legged play-off for a place in the finals in Holland next year.

Don Givens’ side got off to a dream start when West Brom new boy McShane headed them in front after 10 minutes when he connected sweetly with Michael Timlin’s corner.

Bohemians striker Stephen Ward had a glorious chance to extend that lead in the 16th minute when he ran through on goal but he was denied by home keeper Michail Sifakis.

The home side first challenged in the 34th minute when Sotirios Leondiou played through Konstantinos Kapetanos but Republic goalkeeper Colin Doyle saved well.

Willo Flood was denied by Sifakis after a lightning Irish break four minutes later but when the winger reached the rebound the goalkeeper almost spilled the cross into his own net.

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Whelan had a frustrating end to the half when he was booked for taking a free-kick too quickly.

Flood’s brilliant wing play was a constant threat to the home side and they had midfielder Leondiou booked for fouling the Irish captain five minutes after the break.

Whelan had reason to be a lot happier in the 52nd minute when he received possession from Flood and beat Sifakis with a beautifully-struck effort from 25 yards.

Greece came closest to getting back in the game when striker Antonios Petropoulos fired a low drive narrowly wide across Doyle’s goal in the 67th minute.

Kevin Deery was shown a yellow card in the 77th minute after an altercation in midfield but the Republic were left to celebrate a fine victory.