Player Ratings: Ogbene, Smallbone rare silver linings

It's two defeats in two for the new man, Heimir Hallgrimsson, and n'er a goal to keep the fans warm in either game.

The first half provided plenty of reason for optimism, but the display after the break was sobering to say the least for the beleaguered Irish crowd.

Here's how it looked from the cheap seats...

Caoimhín Kelleher - 6

The Liverpool man may be in the process of making the No1 jersey his own at international level. Got down smartly low to his right to turn away a 25th-minute freekick. Looked slightly flat-footed for Ioannidis' curler just after half-time. Could do little about the second.

Andrew Omobamidele - 5

Was caught a bit cold early on as Greece's Liverpool full-back Kostas Tsimikas caused some problems in the opening minutes. Picked up a yellow card just after the half-hour mark for a tug on Christos Tzolis' shirt. Got clattered by Tsimikas in the second half after a brave clearing tackle and was later replaced.

Dara O'Shea - 5

Ran the ball into trouble for no reason in 25th minute, which led to a Greece freekick in a dangerous position which Kelleher eventually dealt with. Backed off Ioannidis to allow him space to curl in his wonderful opening goal. Later coughed up possession again that forced Knight into conceding another freekick 25 yards from goal. Missed a late Greek cross that almost made it 2-0.

Nathan Collins (C) - 7

The undoubted leader of the Irish backline and a threat at every setpiece up the other end - if a little heavyhanded at times. Couldn't put out every fire, however. With O'Shea, allowed Ioannidis the freedom of Lansdowne Road for Greece's first goal.

Robbie Brady - 6.5

Struggled to impose himself early and possibly lucky to avoid a yellow card in the first half. Picked out Collins