A positive result but a poor performance. The Republic of Ireland secured three points in the Aviva Stadium against a dogged Gibraltar yet they made tough work of it.
On the face of it, Mick McCarthy's outfit are sitting pretty at the top of the group after a 2-0 win. However, for former international John O'Shea, a significant improvement is required if this team have aspirations of qualification.
Speaking on Sky Sports, O'Shea explained he understands the frustration of facing a side as conservative as Monday night's opposition but was adamant the standard will have to improve.
It's not as easy as it looks. The team is literally getting ten men behind the ball and coming to frustrate you but we do have to the quality to be winning this game by more goals. Deep down the boys will know that. They will also know they have to play a lot better if we want to qualify. Especially at home.
We play Switzerland at home and away. Denmark at home and a tricky one away to Georgia. That will be crucial. They are going to have to perform better. They have to not get frustrated, keep moving it nice and quick. The times we did it we caused them problems but we didn't do it enough.
The enteral conundrum for Irish football. How important is style in the quest for success?
As far as manager Mick McCarthy was concerned, he's content with their haul so far: "We've scored two. We won the game."
"I'm smiling here. We've won. Ten points. See ya."
