Ryan Manning: Ireland adaptable enough to challenge anyone

Ryan Manning is convinced the Republic of Ireland are equipped to go toe-to-toe with any team in the world as they implement Stephen Kenny's masterplan.

Ireland produced two very different performances in a creditable 2-2 draw with world number one side Belgium on Saturday and a last-gasp 1-0 victory over lowly Lithuania three days later to extend their unbeaten run to eight games.

That ability to get positive results against opponents who provide very different challenges is exactly what they will need if they are to qualify for major tournaments, and Swansea full-back Manning believes the last two fixtures represent useful learning experiences.

He said: "Everybody knows it’s about qualifying for the next major tournament.

"To have the adaptability to be able to play the number one team in the world, going toe-to-toe in and out of possession and get the 2-2 draw…

"We were unlucky that one of the goals conceded was a set-piece, which was unusual for us. I thought we did have them on the ropes for a period.

"Then against Lithuania, we had to adapt the style to play a team that’s going to sit in.

"We had more possession and had to try to break them down. We didn’t create a lot of chances and didn’t take the clear-cut ones.

"It shows that we’re beginning to become an all-round team. We can go toe-to-toe with the biggest teams and when it’s teams that sit in, we’re able to figure out ways to get around them, carve out chances and win the game."

Ireland’s patience paid off in the nick of time against Lithuania when substitute Troy Parrott blasted home the game’s only goal seven minutes into added time at the end of the game, although they had earlier seen no fewer than four strikes ruled out for offside.

However, the fact they got