Niall Quinn says the Republic of Ireland are starting to believe World Cup qualification is possible after their victory over Austria helped them maintain their unbeaten start. The odds of reaching the 2018 tournament in Russia were stacked against Ireland when they were drawn in a group alongside Wales, Serbia and Austria.However, Irelands 1-0 victory in Vienna on Saturday sent them top of Group D, having secured 10 points from their opening four games. And while Quinn admits that Irelands start has come as a shock, he said Martin ONeills ability to get the best out of his players is the reason why they are in such a strong position.It has taken me by surprise because its a really tough group, Quinn said. Even Serbia look good and suddenly theres four teams in it so its going to be difficult. Republic of Ireland manager Martin ONeill was proud of his players as they became the first away team to beat Austria in a competitive match in Vienna in But ONeill has got a clique going on now. They all believe and the motivation he has brought into that side, and the way that theyre bringing it out in performances, means were starting to believe ourselves.I honestly think fans are of the opinion that the perfect man is managing this team, and that theres another trip on its way in two summers time.Irelands victory over Austria was their first since 1963, and they had James McClean to thank after the West Brom winger netted in the second half. Highlights of the Republic of Irelands World Cup qualifier against Austria. McClean is viewed as a divisive figure - predominantly down to his decision not wear a poppy around Remembrance Day - but Quinn believes the 27-year-old has matured as both a man and a player.James wasnt afraid to come out and say we have to kick on and win the group now, others would just be cautious, said Quinn.Hes as honest as you like, people might disagree with his political principles, but the lad gives absolutely everything hes got.Hes starting to get clever with it and understand the game more. His work-rate is always superb, he works so hard up and down that left side in every game he plays. Harry Arter was pleased to make his competitive debut for the Republic of Ireland and hopes for more wins following victory over Austria. Hes now reading things better, and he saw that opportunity open up as soon as [David] Meyler took the ball. What a ball from Wes [Hoolahan], but still a lot of work to do, and James is playing like a player who just wants more of that now.Quinns praise led fellow Sky Sports pundit Dean Saunders to remind the ex-Sunderland chairman of how he first brought McClean to England in 2011.I signed him in a pub, thats not to say hes a pub player - but his agent met me in a pub, Quinn added.Its one of those things, its great. To see his career develop and blossom, hes had a few bumps to try and get over - but its going well for him.Theres no better feeling. To think that hes gone away to Austria tonight and has scored the winner for his country in such a big game, thats fantastic for him. Also See: Austria 0-1 Rep Ireland As it happened Rep Ireland fixtures Table Kenny Clark Super Bowl Jersey . Tuesdays surgery at Atlantas Piedmont Hospital was performed by Dr. Xavier Duralde and Hawks team physician Dr. Michael Bernot. Brett Favre Super Bowl Jersey . -- Jimmie Johnson held off a teammate, passed a pair of Hall of Famers, and dominated once more at Dover. https://www.packersrookiestore.com/Packers-Darnell-Savage-Jr-Jersey/ . Traditional contenders Brazil, Greece and Turkey drew the other three spots to complete the 24-team field for this summers tournament in Spain, basketball governing body FIBA announced Saturday at its meeting in Barcelona. Marcedes Lewis Super Bowl Jersey . After taking two big hits this week -- losing at home and dropping back-to-back games for the first time all season -- Indiana struck back by playing its most complete game of the year. Jimmy Graham Super Bowl Jersey . -- In a span of seven Washington Redskins offensive plays, Justin Tuck sacked Robert Griffin III four times. ORLANDO, Fla. -- Phoenix Suns coach Earl Watson views his team as young and still a work in progress.The Suns, however, seemed to take a critical step on the defensive end Wednesday night in a 92-87 victory over Orlando that concluded an otherwise disappointing road trip.With Devin Booker, Eric Bledsoe and Alex Len leading the way, Phoenix limited the Magic to just 36 percent shooting from the field and only 28 percent shooting from 3-point range.Our defensive presence was on point tonight, said Watson, whose team snapped a two-game losing streak and finished the six-game trip 2-4. We got two wins, we could have gotten more. Were not content with anything.Were a young team, were working, were headed in the right direction. That was a total team effort tonight.Len had 17 points and 12 rebounds to go along with two blocked shots in the paint. Bledsoe had 16 points as all five starters finished in double figures -- and P.J. Tucker came off the bench to put 10 points.The victory didnt salvage the road trip but it certainly allowed the Suns to feel like they have momentum as they head home.This was a must-win for us, Bledsoe said. We came up short in Washington and Philly. This one we had to cap off before heading back home.The most impressive part stepping up on defense, where Phoenix (5-11) has been among the NBAs worst. But Wednesday night they had solid help defense and gave Orlandos shooters few open shots.Evan Fournier led the Magic (6-9) with 25 points and Nikola Vucevic added 21 points, but none of the other starters hit double figures. Jeff Green went 0 for 7 from the field and Serge Ibaka was just 2 for 5 from the field and finished with only five points.Im very pleased with how unselfish we were, Watson said. They played selfless and it showwed on the defensive end.dddddddddddd.For the Magic it was another frustrating night shooting the ball. With Green now in the starting lineup in place of Aaron Gordon, the only consistent scoring off the bench has come from D.J. Augustin, who had 12 points Wednesday.We just had a number of guys have bad nights, Magic coach Frank Vogel said.TIP-INSSuns: Forward T.J. Warren missed his second straight game with what coach Earl Watson described as a head injury. ... Chandler is still missing from the team after the death of his mother. ...The Suns will now play their next three games at home. They dont hit the road again until Dec. 3 when they face Golden State.Magic: Coming into Wednesday nights game, the Magic had held their previous six opponents to a combined 92.3 points per game and 41 percent shooting from the field. .. .With the addition of center Bismack Biyombo this season, the Magic are averaging 5.57 blocks, which ranks sixth in the NBA.DOMINATING THE PAINTLen had a particularly strong performance for the Suns in the paint. He was 6-for-10 from the field, hit 5 of 6 free throws and four of his 12 rebounds came on the offensive end.Hes amazing, Watson said. Hes growing every game. We absolutely love him.MISSING THE POINTFor second straight game, Magic point guard Elfrid Payton was sitting on the bench for much of the critical fourth quarter while Augustin played the bulk of the minutes. Payton logged just 4:30 minutes in the final quarter.We needed some shooting out there, so I left D.J. in there longer than usual, Vogel said.UP NEXTSuns: Phoenix hosts Minnesota on Friday.Magic: Orlando hosts Washington on Friday. ' ' '