The Republic of Ireland have taken a big step towards Euro 2012 with a 4-0 away win in the first leg of their playoff against Estonia.
The visitors got their all-important away goal after 13 minutes when Keith Andrews's header crept into the Estonian net from Aiden McGeady's cross.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side nearly doubled their lead five minutes later when Jonathan Walters's shot flashed over.
The closest the home side came in the first half was when Konstantin Vassiljev's effort from 25 yards flew inches wide.
The hosts were reduced to ten men just after the half hour when Andrei Stepanov received his second yellow card for a foul on Robbie Keane when he was the last man.
Ireland extended their advantage on 65 minutes when Jonathan Walters, who was selected ahead of Simon Cox, headed in from Keane's floated cross to the back post.
The game was put to bed five minutes later when Keane was first to the rebound after Andrews had his low shot saved.
Things got worse for Estonia with 15 minutes to play when Raio Piiroja was given his marching orders after a handball earned him his second booking of the night.
Trapattoni's men got their fourth goal in the final minutes when Keane slotted home from the penalty spot after Stephen Hunt had been brought down in the box.
The second leg at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin takes place on Tuesday.
Jack Prescott
