Josh Cullen admitted that Ireland shot themselves in the foot with their performance in Athens tonight but insisted the players must stick together with the must-win Gibraltar clash to come on Monday.
The Ireland midfielder said the away dressing-room was "hurting" after the 2-1 defeat to Greece in the European Championships qualifier.
Stephen Kenny's side were deservedly beaten by a 48th minute goal from Giorgos Masouras after Nathan Collins restored parity with a 26th minute close-range tap-in.
READ MORE: No excuses for Ireland's poor display against Greece, says Gavin Bazunu
While Greece were the better side, Ireland also caused themselves a host of problems with a string of errors throughout.
"It was a tough night and we probably shot ourselves in the foot," said Cullen. "We know that as a group and obviously everyone is gutted in there at the minute.
"We weren't good enough in the key moments tonight and that's what has made us lose the game.
"We had to weather the storm early on and of course we did, then obviously they get the from a penalty that was definitely avoidable on our part and then we did well to get back in the game.
"We came in at half-time knowing that we can do better but we're in the game and then we concede so soon after half-time which really hurts."
The Burnley star rejected the suggestion that the six week lead in for a lot of the Ireland players was the cause of a slow start that proved costly with the concession of a 14th minute penalty.
"No, as a group we've had a good lead into the game," said Cullen.
"Everyone's followed the program we have been given by the sports science and fitness team since the season finished, so there's no excuses on our part, we can't be pulling the card that we've had to wait a long time for the game.
"Of course it's going to be hard but that's why we need to show the character in the group, we've got to stick together. It's going to hurt tonight, it's going to hurt tomorrow but we have to use that to fuel ourselves for Monday now."
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