Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has lavished praise upon hat-trick hero Robbie Keane.
The 32-year-old took his goal tally to 59 for his country on his record-breaking 126th appearance - a 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands, which keeps their hopes of qualifying for next year's World Cup alive.
"For me it is easy to speak about him because if you remember what I said about him at my news conference, he is a great player," the Italian told Sky Sports News.
"He is the best Irish player. He scores goals and is very intelligent.
"He is clever and at this moment he is also in very good form. For me it is normal to speak well about him."
Ireland are level on points with Austria and Sweden in Group C.
Germany
Switzerland
Hungary
Scotland
Spain
Italy
Croatia
Albania
England
Denmark
Slovenia
Serbia
Austria
France
Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Belgium
Slovakia
Ukraine
Portugal
Turkey
Georgia
Czech Republic