Meyler: 'Fresh blood a boost for Irish boss'

Meyler was upset at the concession of a late goal. Pic: Sportsfile

David Meyler believes that Ireland's newest arrivals on the international stage have given manager Martin O'Neill some real food for thought with their display in the 1-1 draw away to Poland, writes Aidan fitzmaurice.

Aiden O'Brien marked his debut with a goal while Shaun Williams, making his first start, also impressed, and while Meyler was upset at the concession of a late goal which denied Ireland a win, he was upbeat about the future after a difficult spell for the Irish camp.

"I am pleased with the performance, we were disappointed, obviously, to concede in the last few minutes. The lads worked hard, put in a great shift, we were just so close to winning the game, we're a little bit disappointed on that side," said Meyler, who came on as a second-half sub.

"Overall, some of the new lads with their new starts, Enda (Stevens), Aiden (O'Brien) grabbing the goal, it's a positive, it's a good result, but we are still a little bit disappointed to not win the game.

"It was a good performance. It's something different we have now, we can play a four or five. It gives us more options going into next month. There were a couple of good performances so it gives the manager more tough decisions.

"I said to Aiden O'Brien before the game, work your socks off for 60 or 70 minutes because that's what you'll end up playing because the manager said he'd make changes. He took his goal fantastically, he held the ball up, he can be very chuffed."