Johnston backs Kenny after Gibraltar win amid rising pressure

Mikey Johnston backed Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny after cruising to a 4-0 win over Gibraltar. 

Evan Ferguson started the scoring within eight minutes before Johnston added another midway through the first half. 

After the break, Matt Doherty went on to extend their lead, with Callum Robinson rounding off the scoring to secure the visitors' second win of the Euro qualifying. 

Ireland's player of the match Johnston backed manager Kenny after a recent string of losses, including a home defeat to Greece in the last outing.

Speaking to RTE, he said: "It's good. The fans deserved it. Friday was a tough result to take and we felt like we had to give them something back. 

"I was buzzing to get going tonight, I needed to get on the scoresheet and I'm delighted I did. 

"[We were] definitely [doing it for the manager] tonight. He cares so much, he puts everything into this and we definitely want to get behind him. 

"Results have not gone our way all the time but we are trying to play the right way. It is not coming off at the moment but hopefully we can turn it around."

Wingers wow Kenny 

Ireland boss Kenny praised winger Johnston for his contribution on the night and called for him to get more minutes.

He said: "I love wingers. That's his first start and he needs to play more matches. 

"He is too good not to be playing football, so it's great that he did well for himself and with Chiedozie [Ogbene] too it look like we have wingers that can make an impact."