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Martin O'Neill: Republic of Ireland need more than just 'spirit'

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Martin O'Neill says his side need to be more creative but can take a lot of positives from their Nations League defeat to Wales.

Martin O'Neill said "spirit alone" is not enough for Republic of Ireland and they need to score more goals, following a 1-0 defeat to Wales in the UEFA Nations League.

Harry Wilson scored the winner to condemn Ireland to their second defeat from three Group B4 matches.

They now face relegation into League C, and have won just one of their last nine matches.

Rep of Ireland 0-1 Wales
Andrews fumes at 'clueless' O'Neill

Reflecting on Ireland's form, O'Neill said: "It's not a defence mechanism about the team, we have a great spirit, but we lack a bit of technical ability. We have spirit in abundance but spirit alone will not take you to where you really want to go.

"We have to learn and try to eke out some chances to score goals and be more creative if we can. Hopefully we have a couple of lads coming back, serious players for us, and we can go again."

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Highlights of the Nations League Group B4 match between the Republic of Ireland and Wales

Ireland struggled to create chances against Wales, with their best opening coming early in the game when Cyrus Christie won possession on the edge of the box and saw a shot saved by Wayne Hennessey.

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"We are not renowned for scoring a lot of goals so we have to take the chances when they come," said O'Neill.

"I thought it was a grandstand finish and we could get something, but overall I thought there were a lot of positives despite the result."

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Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews was critical of Martin O'Neill after the UEFA Nations League defeat to Wales

Asked if he questioned himself, O'Neill said: "Do you know what? I am not so sure that I have ever not asked questions about myself.

"I think I do. I think I did that as a player and I certainly do that as a manager.

"If you are asking about responsibility for it, I take responsibility for every kick that is made on that field by us. That is my job. That will not change.

"And in terms of questioning, there is no question. I do question everything that happens on the field. I look back again to see what we may have been able to do a little bit better and hopefully that improvement continues.

"But in terms of questioning myself as a professional, both as a player and as a manager, I've always done it, genuinely always done it."

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