Republic of Ireland 1-0 Finland: 'We were a bit lucky, but this group deserves a bit of luck'

Kenny's young side make it six wins from seven as they keep pace with Switzerland

Ireland remain second in Group B, a point behind Switzerland, who beat Georgia 1-0, but level on points with leaders Finland, who lost for the first time in the campaign. The Irish also have a game in hand on the Swiss, who they face away on November 14.

Ireland a little fortunate

Kenny, in the absence of suspended skipper Seamus Coleman, handed just a second senior cap to Séamus Coleman's teenage cousin, Nathan Collins, and also gave a full debut to Gavin Bazunu, the 19-year-old goalkeeper signed by Manchester City last summer.

Ireland were a little fortunate to win the game. Finland dominated for long spells and had several chances to score, but they failed to take them and were made to pay when John Egan headed home substitute Robbie Brady's 70th-minute corner at the far post.

'We deserved a bit of luck'

"We were a bit lucky but when you get the result and the performance that we got, I think this group deserve a bit of luck," said Kenny.

"Overall, it's a good win. We're starting to mature as a group and we're delighted with the result."

Finland coach Markku Kanerva admitted that his side were not at their best, but he said that they would learn from the defeat.

"We didn't play well enough today," said Kanerva.

"We had a lot of chances but we didn't take them. We need to learn from this and improve for the next game."