Shay Given captained the Republic on his 100th appearance for his country
Shay Given was thrilled to reach the 100-cap mark on Wednesday but agreed that the Republic of Ireland's display against Montenegro had been "flat".
However Given, handed the captaincy on the night, took positives from the Republic maintaining their unbeaten Group Eight record by drawing 0-0.
"It probably wasn't the strongest team we could have had out," said Given.
"We didn't get any second yellow cards which was important. The play-offs next month will be a lot more exciting."
Given added:"It was a memorable night for myself and Kevin Kilbane with us both reaching 100 caps.
"Ideally we would have liked to have played better and won the game but we stayed unbeaten in the group and we have to take positives from that.
"I'm sure there will be plenty of people having a dig (at us) but we are delighted to have qualified for the play-offs and we would have settled for that before a ball was kicked in the group."
Given agreed that the Republic had been fortunate not to concede a penalty in the second half after an apparently blatant handball by defender Paul McShane.
"In another game it might have been given," added the Republic goalkeeper.
"Paul was just trying to get his body in the way and he was only a yard or two away from it.
"Some people would say that it would have been harsh and some would say that it should have been a stonewall penalty. It's about opinions."
Despite the lacklustre nature of the occasion, Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni appeared upbeat after the game.
"We played great football in the first half. We hit the crossbar and we dominated the first 45 minutes," insisted the 70-year-old.
"Montenegro are a great team. Don't forget that.
"Montenegro will become an even stronger team in the future."
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