Making the trip to Gibraltar’s temporary home, the Estádio Algarve, on the back of five defeats from their six ECQs so far this campaign, it took Ireland just eight minutes to open the scoring with Evan Ferguson peeling away from his man to apply a clinical near-post volley.
That early breakthrough allowed the visitors to ease into the contest, as Gibraltar struggled to create anything of note in a one-sided opening 25 minutes.
Ireland duly doubled their advantage shortly before the half-hour mark, as Michael Johnston claimed his first international goal. The Celtic winger, making his first start for the Boys in Green, turned in Ireland’s second after his initial attempt rebounded off the upright.
Armed with a comfortable two-goal lead, Stephen Kenny’s men continued to stamp their authority on proceedings as they cruised through to HT.
Having conceded at least three goals in every game during their latest failed qualification campaign, Gibraltar’s struggles showed no sign of slowing down in the early stages of the second period and a third Irish goal predictably followed.
Matt Doherty, having created both goals in the first half, claimed his first international goal in almost four years with a glancing header from six yards on the hour mark as Ireland relentlessly pressed home their advantage.
Substitute Callum Robinson rose highest to nod in a fourth with 10 minutes remaining to wrap up a comfortable night for the Irish.
Despite qualification for Euro 2024 via the play-offs remaining a slender possibility for Ireland, speculation remains rife over the future of manager Kenny ahead of their final group game against the Netherlands next month.
Meanwhile, Gibraltar face the daunting prospect of closing out their campaign on zero points with a double-header against France and the Netherlands to follow.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Matt Doherty (Republic of Ireland)
