Republic of Ireland's striker Robbie Keane celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during a UEFA 2016 European Championship qualifing football match against Gibraltar on October 11, 2014 © Getty Images

Wes Hoolahan wasted the home side's first big opening of the match when he headed over after being picked out at the back post by Aiden McGeady.

Ireland then made the breakthrough in the sixth minute through Robbie Keane, who slotted home McGeady's ball into the middle from close range.

James McClean almost grabbed a second for Ireland three minutes later, but his powerful effort was beaten away by Jordan Perez.

They did get their second in the 14th minute when Keane was played through on goal by Hoolahan before sliding an effort into the bottom corner.

Captain Robbie Keane of Republic of Ireland celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal during the EURO 2016 Qualifier match against Gibraltar on October 11, 2014 © Getty Images

Three minutes later, Ireland were awarded a penalty after Perez brought down Hoolahan and Keane made no mistake from the resulting spot kick with a composed finish which sealed his hat-trick.

The hosts continued to dominate as the half-time whistle approached and Hoolahan drilled a shot just wide, before McGeady saw a powerful strike tipped behind by the keeper.

McClean extended his side's lead further just a minute after the break when he slotted in Keane's pass from close range.

In the 51st minute, Ireland got their fifth of the match as Perez diverted the ball into his own net after Hoolahan's shot had been cleared off the line.

Brian Perez of Gibraltar is marshalled by James McClean of Republic of Ireland during the EURO 2016 Qualifier match on October 11, 2014 © Getty Images

McClean got his second of the match two minutes later after following up Keane's shot that had been spilled by the keeper.

It was 7-0 four minutes later, as Hoolahan tricked his way through the Gibraltar defence, before slotting an effort past Perez.

The visitors hardly posed a threat, but they came close to getting on the scoresheet on the hour mark when Joseph Chipolina's header was tipped over by David Forde.

Ireland could have added to their lead in the closing stages, but the score remained at seven as they went top of Group D.