We are guessing now that Martin is a glass half full kind of manager and that’s okay with us.
Ireland were defeated at home 2-1 for the second successive game last night, but manager Martin O’Neill preferred to look at the positives following the defeat at the hands of Turkey.
On the performance:
“I thought we created a lot of chances in the game and I genuinely don’t know how we lost the match. A combination of poor finishing and some great saves was part of it but we should have had the game out of sight at half-time.
“I was just saying in the dressing room there are big moments in the half where you have to defend stoutly. When those big moments come, you have to be stronger but we’ve conceded two goals tonight when, I think, there should have been less danger.”
On the missed chances:
“I have said to the boys in the dressing room that any player who can score a decent quota of goals must be worth about £134million, so why not be one of those players? Just go and get yourself into positions and get a few goals. It’s pretty difficult, but it’s not absolutely exceptionally difficult.”
On Man of the Match, Wes Hoolahan:
“I thought little Hoolahan played brilliantly for us. He tried to create things for us during the course of the game. Sometimes some big boots come in and shove him off the ball a little bit, but overall he showed a great determination and great ability to try to manoeuvre it. He was excellent for us.”
On the official attendance of just over 25,000:
“I was actually delighted with the crowd. It’s hard-end money they’ve parted with.”
So, there you have it. Ireland have another friendly this Saturday in London against Italy and O’Neill will be happy to work with the squad this week… and maybe have them practise some finishing!
