Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has claimed that his side "were the better team" in Friday's goalless draw with Sweden in Stockholm.

The Irish kept their hosts at bay to earn an important point in their quest for World Cup qualification.

"I wouldn't say Sweden weren't great - I'd say we were great in what we did," Keane told Sky Sports News.

"If Sweden weren't great it is because we stopped them from playing. It is as simple as that. We were hunting in packs and stopping them from playing.

"Of course we would have wanted three points but with the way we stopped them, nobody really had too many chances to score. I think, overall, we were the better team."

Ireland continue their Group C campaign on Tuesday when they host Austria in Dublin.

Written by
Jack Prescott