O'Neill insists Ireland progressing

Ireland were held to a goalless Nations League draw in Denmark on Monday as they failed to score for the fourth consecutive game. The 'Green Army' managed just three shots on goal in Aarhus.

Despite a disappointing attacking showing, O'Neill was upbeat and took positives from their clean sheet. Speaking to 'Sky Sports' after the game, the manager remarked: "We were very strong defensively, as we probably had to be.

"Overall, in terms of creativity, maybe not completely there, but I thought the commitment was absolutely excellent against a very strong Danish team.

"In the competitive games we've played this season, I think that might have been our eighth debutant, and the players are getting used to playing with each other.

"The players are bedding in, young players coming on. This is international football, this is a massive step up for a number of our players, but they are trying to adjust."

"It's certainly been tough (this year). We have played five friendlies, but we haven't chosen easy friendlies. We've never done that.

"We've tried to play the hard games as much as possible. I think we will learn far more by playing tough opposition.

"We are making progress. The young players will come through, and hopefully with a little bit of guidance by some of the senior players and all of us round about it, they can be ready in a few months' time.

"I think in my professional playing career and in my managerial career, I don't think I could have won the things that I won as a player and manager if I didn't have that drive and enthusiasm."