"We had a disappointing start but after that we started playing well, passing it well and played some great football before half time," Rooney told Setanta Sports.
"In the second half they had two men sent off which made it a bit easier.
"I'm pleased to be back scoring but obviously disappointed to miss the penalty but happy with the two."
Ferdinand:
"Of course, when you hit it as cleanly as I did you deserve to be credited with the goal!" Ferdinand joked.
"The manager said before the game it's a very tough place to come, Martin O'Neill has got his side firing on all cylinders and very difficult to beat.
"We're happy to come out with three points and quite a good performance, especially from the front men."