Stephen Kenny felt that Ireland were hard done by in their defeat to Scotland with a Ryan Christie penalty deciding the hard-fought UEFA Nations League match in Glasgow.
The spot-kick would eventually decide this entertaining Hampden Park encounter, which was played at a frenetic pace with both sides creating chances throughout the contest.
And the Ireland manager felt that the spot-kick was harshly awarded, with Alan Browne apparently pushed inside the box that forced his hand to move towards the ball.
John Egan had put Ireland in control of affairs inside the opening 20 minutes and while the goal certainly rocked the Scots, they soon regained their momentum to put serious pressure on the Ireland penalty box throughout the remainder of the first half.
Scotland 0-1 Ireland
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 24, 2022
18' No offside this time! A super half-volley from captain Egan gives Ireland the lead
📺 Watch live on @RTE2 and @RTEPlayer https://t.co/2W5kFtUgZE
📻 Listen live on @RTERadio1 https://t.co/PgUgJjltge
📱 Updates https://t.co/cNTdXLNQvo#SCOIRL #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/FZpehTiFA9
But Stephen Kenny's side held firm, reaching the break with their noses ahead, and while they created an early chance in the second half, the home side restored parity in the 49th minute thanks to a well-placed Jack Hendry header.
From then on, the tempo went up another notch as both sides carved out openings with Troy Parrott handed, perhaps, the best chance of all following a clever counterattack when Michael Obafemi raced out of his own half before feeding his striking partner.
The chance was missed, alas, and it was Scotland who really remained in the ascendancy, and while fortune certainly favoured their brave approach, they enjoyed a huge slice of luck to get awarded a penalty from Browne’s unintentional hand-ball.
Christie made no mistake from the spot to secure the win as Ireland left Glasgow with little other than the fact that they played with true gusto and came close to sharing the spoils with the group leaders.
"It’s a tough game to lose from our point of view," said Kenny, speaking at the post match press conference.
"In the first half, we really showed a real maturity and I felt we had a high degree of control overall.
"We were comfortable in possession, and I thought the team played well. I don’t think we conceded too many chances in the first half.
"It’s just disappointing to concede five minutes into the second half because I thought we started the half well. From Scotland’s point of view it’s a good goal with the centre-half joining in.
"I think from looking at it (the penalty), it seems that Alan Browne has been pushed by a Scottish player that has resulted in him raising his hands into an unnatural position. It is very congested but it seems that is the case."
Kenny was happy with the way his side played the game away from home and felt that they were commanding in possession at times and were brave with their passing against a very good Scotland side, who really came into the game in the second half.
"Scotland showed their quality in the midfield area. We weren’t as cohesive as we were in the first half and found it difficult to break their press.
"We probably didn’t capitalise on two-on-two situations enough but we also had a lot of good play, and just the margins, we didn’t take our chances when we should have.
"I think we showed a lot of composure in a lot of the game. We passed it brilliantly against a good team away from home. We showed a lot of control in the game. They have good players and played well in the second half themselves but away from home you expect that from good sides.
"We had chances to win and even though there were sustained Scotland attacks, there wasn’t many clear cut chances and we are disappointed to lose the game."
Scotland go away for a group decider in Ukraine, while Ireland must now immediately prepare for the visit of Armenia to Dublin on Tuesday, ensuring that they finish the group with a positive note and secure seven points with a victory.
And the manager admitted that his side do not have time to dwell on the result but rather need to move on quickly and get ready for the final game of this Nations League campaign.
"We are always honest in our discussions and we are disappointed to lose," said Kenny, when asked what he would say to the players regarding the Scotland performance.
"But we can’t dwell on it. We just can’t because you have a quick turnaround to the game on Tuesday and we got to get ready.
"There were a lot of really good performances and we have to get ready.
"We have Tuesday’s game with Armenia. We have to earn the right to win that game and that is what we are focusing on doing.
"Ukraine and Scotland are very strong. It was a tough group. We would have wanted more points than we have, we’re not denying that.
"But now is not the time for that. We just have to focus on Tuesday and make sure we are ready for Armenia."
Follow the Republic of Ireland v Armenia on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm) via our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app, or watch live on RTÉ 2 and the RTÉ Player
