Blackburn striker Duff struck in the 18th minute to score only his third international goal in 34 appearances, steering home a loose ball after Lee Carsley's effort hit a post.

Georgia cancelled that out when Levan Kobiashvili drove in a 61st minute free-kick which Shay Given could only help into his net at the near post.

But Tottenham striker Doherty, in the team because club colleague Robbie Keane's trip was delayed following the death of his father, popped up the head home the vital winner after 84 minutes.

The match was marred by Georgian fans hurling bottles, and what was believed to be a knife, on to the pitch, and they could face action from UEFA.