The Republic of Ireland’s Festy Ebosele accepted that a win is a win, although Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men made hard work of this 1-0 UEFA World Cup Qualifier Group F victory over Armenia.

“It was hard – it really was. We really needed a win. We came out and we did what we needed to do,” remarked the Wexford native.

But the İstanbul Başakşehir player conceded it was a hard watch for those supporters at the Aviva Stadium, and the fans at home.

“There’s no easy games in international football, so we knew it could come down right to the end. We just had to keep fighting and dig in. That’s what we did”.

Named man of the match despite being substituted midway through the second period, he continued: “Yeah, we tried. We really tried. Their ‘keeper made some very good saves as well. It was a difficult game. But we had full confidence that we were going to win today.

“We were knocking, we had chances. So, I just think we needed to be a bit fresher. We did what we had to do to get the job done.” 

With the visitors reduced to 10 men early in the second half, the Enniscorthy man also noted: “Playing at home, it always feels like an extra man, with the crowd behind us, especially at the Aviva Stadium. Like, for me, the fans are amazing. They are always lifting us; always giving us an extra push and they helped us a lot tonight.” 

On the red card itself, he stated: “It’s football, it happens. I think even without the red card, we were still knocking on the door. We were still pushing, and we wanted to get the winner. We got the goal and kept going until the very end.” 

Goal difference could be a factor in the two remaining group fixtures against Portugal and Hungary if the prize of going to the World Cup in 2026 is to be obtained.

“We would have loved to score more goals. Their ‘keeper was inspired tonight. Look, we’ve got a couple of games left. We know what we need to do. We need to take each game as they come. 

“Portugal at home will be massive. And then, we go to Hungary knowing we have to get a result.”

Armenia boss Yegishe Melikyan was reluctant to put the boot into Tigran Barseghyan for his rash headbutt on Finn Azaz.

“Of course, the red card changed the game – it was a mistake and he took responsibility,” said the Armenia manager.

“He said sorry to the whole dressing room. But, if a player makes a mistake, it is also my mistake and for that I apologise.

“If there was no red card and we played 11 v 11 I think we could have gotten a good result.

“I thought we could have won but we must go forward and I think we can get good results in the near future.”