Giovanni Trapattoni received a warm welcome at Croke Park

Giovanni Trapattoni claimed a home draw was a step in the right direction after starting his reign as Republic of Ireland manager on Saturday night.

The Irish needed a late volley from substitute Andy Keogh to snatch a 1-1 draw against Serbia at Croke Park.

"We have started and certainly took a step forward this evening," said the 69-year-old Italian.

"It was for me and two or three players the first international, and a chance to give our supporters a good result."

Trapattoni added: "In the first half, we deserved to be ahead. We had a very good opportunity with Robbie Keane when the defender saved the ball on the goal-line.

"But in the second half, Serbia played better than we did. We knew their qualities before the match, but we knew our own qualities and style of play, and we deserved that result.

"I do not think we deserved to lose and the result for me and the players was good."