Seamus Coleman accentuates the positives for Ireland

John O'Shea's interim spell as Republic of Ireland manager may have ended in defeat, but captain Seamus Coleman was keen to highlight just how enjoyable the international window had been under his former team-mate.

The double-header ended with a 1-0 loss to Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night as Coleman and his colleagues were unable to match or better the scoreless draw achieved against Belgium on Saturday.

However, aside from the result against the Swiss, the veteran Everton defender drew plenty of encouragement from the week.

"It took us a while to get to grips with them in the first half," the 35-year-old told Virgin Media.

"We got some instructions and then got a bit braver, pressed them a bit more and got ourselves more organised.

"I thought we were on top from there on in and we were unlucky not to score. I can’t remember them creating too much, bar the free-kick.

"We penned them in for quite a bit of the game.

"It felt comfortable in the second half and we just need to find a way to score some goals, but it's been a good week.

"Disappointing result, never happy to lose, but it's been a very positive and enjoyable week."

Sammie Szmodics and Finn Azaz both won their first Ireland caps over the window, with Coleman citing the impact of the Blackburn player and the role established members of the squad have in bedding in new recruits.

"New players coming in helps, the likes of Sammie, who is in a good run of form with his club," Coleman added.

"Getting to know what international football is all about - I think our job as senior players is to help those younger lads understand that it’s so important every time we put on that green shirt to represent our fans.

"It’s been a really positive week, a really enjoyable