Ireland made Armenia look better than they are

Jason Knight insists Ireland made Armenia look better than they actually are and places in the starting team are consequently at risk.

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side were outclassed by the minnows Armenia in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat, with Knight’s midfield area the key battleground ceded.

Knight’s partnership with Josh Cullen as the midfield pivot combination has come under scrutiny after they struggled to cope with both Hungary and Armenia over the opening World Cup qualifiers.

Ireland are already playing catch-up and the 24-year-old admits vast improvements are required to redeem self-respect, whatever about their remote qualification hopes.

Top seeds Portugal will be confident of maintaining their perfect run against Ireland on October 11 before the home rematch with Armenia three days later.

“One hundred percent,” the Bristol City midfielder said about Ireland’s problems enhancing the hosts, avoiding any sugar-coating their lapses.

“Armenia have dangerous players but we made them look better than they are. We should have done better because we have really good players. We just didn’t do that’s the disappointing part.

“The preparation was definitely put in and we have the players but we just didn’t turn up. And that’s on us.

“I think that all over the pitch we were just that one yard off it. When that happens at any level you’re going to get punished.

Armenia’s tactical approach centred on that familiar ploy of outnumbering Ireland in midfield.

“I don’t think it was down to Armenia having the extra man in midfield,” Knight said after his 41st cap. “We just didn’t get enough pressure on the ball early in the game and never recovered from that.

“It’s quite clear what’s expected of us midfielders, to break up play and get the forwards into the game as quickly as possible.

“We saw that in the second half against Hungary but it wasn’t there in Armenia. I don’t know why, to be honest.”

A clamour to have uncapped Bosul Lawal promoted to the engine-room mushroomed over the window. Knight is aware that nobody is safe from the chop for the visit to Portugal in four weeks’ time.

“You always have to prove yourself,” he asserted.

“I’ve played a lot of games for Ireland and have to keep proving myself. It should never be a guarantee to play for Ireland but that’s on us all.

“We all must prove that we’re worthy of playing in an Irish shirt. That’s the case for October too.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Co lurking in Lisbon could mean Ireland’s plight may get uglier. Armenia at home is not a given either.

“We need something special,” confesses Knight.

“We must go there and get a good result. Portugal are a good team and it won’t be easy but we as players have put us in that position. We must get a result to turn it around.

“Then we certainly have to put this wrong against Armenia as a right, ensuring we’re on the money against Armenia. We’ve to win that game at home.”