Martin O'Neill has rejected suggestions that the Republic of Ireland play poorly when leading.
The criticism was levelled at the team by some pundits in the wake of the disappointing 1-1 draw with Georgia.
Not for the first time, Ireland hit the front foot but failed to build on the lead before labouring to a draw against a Georgia side that effectively outclassed them for long spells in the game.
Ahead of tomorrow's game with Serbia, O'Neill has rubbished claims that Ireland panic when leading:
“Sorry that’s not true, that’ is not true. We scored after 2 minutes in the game.
“So we’ve 88 minutes plus whatever extra time the referee is going to play, to play out.
“I wouldn’t call that actually going into your shell, we have played over 20 games at competitive level in the last three years, I think only once have we gone in front and been beaten”.
“That was against France (Euro 2016).”
In team news, Jeff Hendrick has been ruled out with quad injury.
The Boys in Green have doubts over Wes Hoolahan, he has a tight groin. Aiden McGeady who is having a scan on his hamstring.
Martin O'Neill has rejected suggestions that the Republic of Ireland play poorly when leading pic.twitter.com/CDumVx5gqu
— 98FM Sport (@98FMsport) September 4, 2017
