Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr remains positive ahead of next month's World Cup qualifier against France despite Wednesday's defeat by Italy. "I thought we deserved something - and we came very close, Clinton Morrison had a great goal disallowed and Stephen Elliott was very close," said Kerr.
"I'm disappointed we lost but it wasn't a bad team we lost to," said Kerr.
"We took time to deal with their quality and strength but in the second half we were more controlled."
The Republic boss claimed that Italy's second goal should have been disallowed for offside.
Gilardino finished to the net after his initial close-range effort had been brilliantly blocked by Given.
The Irish appealed that Christian Vieri had been offside but Portuguese referee Paulo Costa adjudged that the Milan striker had not been interfering with play.
"If a player is in the penalty area, in and around the goalkeeper, he has to be given offside," said the Irish boss.
Kerr added that he has plenty of selection issues to "mull over" following Wednesday's friendly.
"Some players played well and some showed they are rusty - that's why we have friendlies.
"But there were a lot of good performances around the pitch and we will have a chance against France.
"But we will need a better, tighter performance and more discipline defensively - we won't be able to give away so many chances."
MMIX
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