Two-goal hero Robbie Keane admitted the Republic of Ireland rode their luck in a vital 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Georgia tonight. The Republic knew a victory would take them level with Italy were behind inside a minute.

A dubious penalty allowed Keane to draw the hosts level in the 73rd minute and he headed the winner five minutes later. Keane stressed the Republic must work on holding firm in the opening minutes if they are to maintain their bid to reach South Africa 2010.

“Conceding a goal like that in the first minute can cost you but luckily enough we got back into game,” Keane said afterwards.

“That’s what we have to look at — we’re well capable of scoring goals but we have to cut out these mistakes.”

Keane insisted he did not see the penalty decision, where Ucha Lobjanidze was penalised for handball when the ball appeared to hit his shoulder with the flag up for offside anyway.

“I didn’t see that incident,” he continued. “I was facing the other way. If it wasn’t then sometimes you need a bit of luck. We kept pushing on and I think we deserved it in the end.”

The result will boost hopes the Republic can qualify for a major finals for the first time since 2002, but Keane is taking it one step at a time.

He added: “We just concentrate on what we do. We believe we’re well capable of qualifying but we need to try to win games, and try to win games convincingly.

“It’s a great start for us and we’ll enjoy this. It’s been a great start, long may that continue.”