O'Neill still believes after severe blow to Republic World Cup hopes
Defeat to Serbia in Dublin sees Martin's men slip to third
The Republic’s chances of World Cup qualification hang in the balance today.
Martin O’Neill’s side lost 1-0 in Dublin to Serbia last night and now slip to third in Group D.
With Wales, now in the runners-up spot after their 2-0 win in Moldova, the Republic have it all to do if they are to pick up one of the eight play-off places.
O'Neill still has belief that his side can make it to Russia – and has revealed they are desperate to keep their World Cup dream alive for injured skipper Seamus Coleman.
Coleman was a spectator at the Aviva Stadium last to see a defeat which leaves the Republic a point behind Wales and five adrift of Serbia.
He said: “I'm disappointed for the team, and I'll tell you who I'm really disappointed for - and he didn't even play tonight - that's the captain of the side, Seamus Coleman.
“The players were delighted to see him coming over, I was delighted to see him come and if we could make it to the World Cup - I think he might come back around about Christmas-time...
“The players, who love him to death anyway, if there's anything that would keep you going, it would be that, for Coleman to make it to the World Cup.''
Ireland definitely have their work cut out if they are to make it to Russia next summer after following up their 1-1 draw in Georgia with the defeat by the Serbs, which was delivered with a venomous 55th-minute swing of Roma defender Aleksandar Kolarov's left-boot.
O'Neill added: “There are moments in the game where class players, players who play in the big leagues, can come and create something.
“He got the space and has hammered into the net and it's eventually proved the difference in the game.''
Ireland got a break when defender Nikola Maksimovic was dismissed for a 68th-minute challenge on substitute Daryl Murphy, who was convinced he had been dragged back in the area by Jagos Vukovic eight minutes later, but not in the opinion of referee Cuneyt Cakir.
Ireland's hopes of qualification suffered a major blow as a result, but O'Neill is not yet ready to throw in the towel.
He said: “We can win our last two games, we can still make it. After a performance like that tonight, I'm very confident that we can win both games.'