Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy has promised to learn from his mistakes after a chastening afternoon as Ireland went down 2-1 to France in the last-16 of Euro 2016.
Duffy was caught out of position for Antoine Griezmann’s winning goal, before being sent-off for a trip on the Atletico Madrid star as he closed in on a hat-trick.
Despite the second half disappointment, Duffy left the Stade de Lyon with his head high and confidence undimmed.
He said: “It’s special to be here in such a big game on the world stage and to play a part in it. It’s disappointing for the way it finished for me in the second half.
“I’ll stay positive after it. I’ll hold my head up high after it and learn from my mistakes and try to do better next time.”
It’s easy to forget after the first half here, that it was just Duffy’s fifth game at this level.
After going from Everton’s reserves to Yeovil Town to Blackburn Rovers, the Derry man is ready to stay on the international level for a long time to come.
“I felt like I could play at this level. I felt comfortable out there,” he stated.
“I feel like I have done alright, but the red card hasn’t helped me. I have tried to make a challenge for the ball. It’s difficult because if I don’t make it or if I leave it they score.
“It’s football. It’s a matter of inches. It was difficult for me, but I feel like I can play here. It’s been a great experience for me coming in so late.”
Duffy kept his place in the side after the 1-0 win over Italy in Lille on Wednesday night and he watched as Robbie Brady put Ireland ahead with a penalty in the second minute.
However, the defensive solidity that marked that famous victory in the final group game deserted Ireland during a 15-minute spell in the second half.
“Scoring so early maybe changed it a bit,” said Duffy. “We were cautious with how good they were and the players they have.
“Obviously we had a one-nil lead against a team that easily could go on to win this tournament. We had a good first half and then there was 10 or 15 minutes in the second half when we lost the game.
“We said [at half-time] that the start of the second half was important. They are a good team and they made a change. They went two up front and it made a difference for them. They have got good players.
“We probably could have done more for the goals as a team. It’s disappointing but we have to take the positives out of it.”
