Collins: Loss in Armenia could prove a good thing in long run

Nathan Collins has insisted the Nations League defeat in Armenia could prove to be a good thing in the long run. The defeat at the Republican Stadium may not rank alongside last year's World Cup qualifier reverse at the hands of Luxembourg in terms of humiliation, but it left manager Stephen Kenny and his players with questions to answer after they were unable to find a way past a side ranked 45 places below them. Speaking ahead of Wednesday evening's clash with Ukraine at the Aviva Stadium, Burnley defender Collins said: "I don't know if it will affect confidence because we know what we can do. "It could nearly be good for us as it will add fuel to the fire. We need a reaction and we have said it in there. Whether we show it on Wednesday, we know we need one. "In a way, it's probably good for us as we've been on a high lately. And now we know we need a reaction, so if we get that it should be good for us." Kenny admitted after the game that the Republic had only themselves to blame after they squandered first-half chances and then simply ran out of ideas. It was Ireland's first defeat in nine games, but the Nations League record remains miserable with no wins and just two goals scored in 11 games.

Kenny bristled at mention of that record in his pre-match press conference, citing the disruption caused by Covid-19 during the previous campaign, and recent performances have been more encouraging. Collins too pointed to impressive recent displays against Portugal and Belgium to illustrate the progress which has been made, but knows those levels may be required again if they are to break their duck against Ukraine. He said: "You have seen us play the likes of Portugal and Belgium and they are a high standard. We know that and