Kenny hails team effort to fight back and match Belgium

Stephen Kenny admitted to being disappointed with the two goals Ireland conceded against Belgium, but overall the manager was very pleased with his side's performance in their 2-2 draw with the world number one-ranked side.

Ireland had to battle back from behind twice in the game as Belgium took an early lead thanks to an excellent Michy Batshuayi strike in the 12th minute, which was cancelled out by Chiedozie Ogbene’s acrobatic effort nine minutes before the break.

And Ireland had to drag themselves back into the contest once again in the second half following Hans Vanaken’s header from a 59th-minute set-piece.

Kenny’s side were not disillusioned by the visitors' second goal and immediately went about restoring parity, and while they left it late, it was well worth the wait as substitute Alan Browne met Ogbene’s cross perfectly to power a header home.

"I’m disappointed by both goals we conceded," said Kenny, speaking at the post match press conference.

"[But] I thought the determination and quality we showed to come back score the two goals was hugely encouraging.

"It was a high technical standard game. It was end to end really overall. I was really pleased overall with the performance of the players."

Ireland started the game with real purpose, electrified by the energy of the front three of Ogbene, Callum Robinson and Jason Knight, and in truth, the Belgian goal was a real sucker punch, which appeared to knock the home side right off their approach.

It took Ireland a good 20 minutes to play their way back into the game, which resulted in a period of pressure that eventually led to the equalising goal from Ogbene.

And the manager credited the aggressive play from central defender John Egan who was instrumental in working the