Republic of Ireland goalkeeper David Forde believes that his side must back up their efforts against Sweden with a strong performance against Austria next week.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side battled to gain a precious point in their World Cup qualifying campaign with a goalless draw in Stockholm.

Forde told the Daily Star: "We've given ourselves a chance because to come away to Sweden, play in front of a full house and get a result is a good achievement.

"We needed that point because if we hadn't got it, I wouldn't have said the race was over but it would have made it incredibly difficult.

"Now we have a bit of momentum building and hopefully we can go on and qualify for the World Cup."

Republic of Ireland are fourth in Group C and are one point adrift of Sweden in second place after four games.

Written by
Simon Sinclair