Ferguson and Lenihan unable to inspire Irish on forgettable night in Athens

Defeat leaves Republic in hopeless situation

Last night certainly wasn't a good night for Stephen Kenny - or Irish soccer as the Boys in Green succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Greece.

It wasn't just that the team lost it was the poverty of the team's overall performance.

The Irish showed little creativity throughout the game as they struggled to break down an average Greek side.

The Irish looked like a team lacking in confidence or direction but the team selection was highly significant from a Meath perspective as it contained two players from the Royal County.

Evan Fergusion as expected started up front for Ireland although he got little quality ball supplied to him or crosses into the box from which he might have snaffled his second senior international goal.

What was a surprise selection, mildly surprising at least, was the fact that Darragh Lenihan was picked to start for his fourth cap.

The Dunboyne man had a good season with Middlesbrough but hadn't played for Ireland since appearing against Ukraine last summer.

Lenihan was part of a defensive three-man set-up along with John Egan and Nathan Collins. It didn't always look like a secure defensive set-up especially in the way Greece got through for their second goal soon after the break. That was a real killer.

Ireland's preparations for the game including a few days spent in Bristol as well as a protracted training camp in Turkey.

The defeat leaves the Republic of Ireland with little chance of even finishing in third place behind Holland and France.

Ireland now take on Gibraltar on Monday night and both teams will be effectively playing for pride only.

It also leaves the FAI with a mess to sort out and wondering where do they go from here.