FYR Macedonia 0 - 2 Republic of Ireland: Robbie Keane marches into history books with his 50th goal in internationals

Shane Long led the tributes to Republic of Ireland skipper Robbie Keane after watching him write himself into the history books with a match- winning display in Macedonia.

Keane became the first player from Great Britain and Ireland to score 50 senior international goals when he blasted the Republic into an eighth-minute lead in Skopje on Saturday night, and his nerveless 37th-minute strike made sure of three precious Euro 2012 qualifying points.

The 30-year-old's contribution in his 108th appearance was all the more impressive as he had to have a pain-killing injection in his groin before kick-off, and he was clearly labouring as an energy-sapping contest at the Philip II Stadium drew to a close.

Long, who along with Kevin Doyle, Jonathan Walters and newcomer Simon Cox, is working hard to prove that there will be life after Keane when he eventually hangs up his boots, was full of praise for a man he regards as a role model.

The Reading frontman said: "It's extraordinary when you look at it - and he hasn't played that many games as well.

"I think it's one in two, and close to that ratio is a great record to have in international football. It will take some beating. He's brilliant. He turns up to every game he can. Every game he's called upon, he will do his best to be there. Last night, he played with half a leg, really, his groin was gone. It shows the desire he has. You don't score 51 goals for your country without that passion."

It is a measure of Keane's commitment to the Ireland cause that he insisted on the eve of last night's game he would play, despite having limped out of the final training session in Malahide a day earlier.

He was equally adamant that reaching his personal landmark was of secondary importance to securing the victory his side needed to maintain pace with Slovakia and Russia at the top of Group B, but he was delighted to have managed both, despite the effect his exertions had on his body.

Asked about his injury, Keane said: "It's a bit sore now. I had to get an injection before the game, but it's okay now. The last 15 minutes I started to feel it a bit. It's a little bit sore now, but who cares?"

Keane's double put the visitors in the driving seat, but things might have turned out differently had Ivan Trickovski converted a 40th-minute penalty rather than hitting the crossbar.The win set Ireland up for the September double-header against Slovakia and Russia, which could go a long way towards deciding the outcome of the group.

FYR Macedonia: Bogatinov, Grncarov, Noveski, Sikov, Popov, Sumulikoski, Demiri (Savic 71), Despotovski (Gjurovski 56), Pandev, Trickovski, Naumoski (Hasani 10). Subs not used: Nuredinovski, Mojsov, Todorovski, Ristevski.

Rep of Ireland: Given, Kelly, O'Shea, O'Dea, Kilbane, McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, Hunt, Cox (Long 64), Keane. Subs Not Used: Forde, McShane, Coleman, Fahey, Keogh, Foley.

Referee: F Meyer (Germany)

Attendance: 30,000