Tuesday 5 September 2017 22:56, UK
David Meyler insists the Republic of Ireland are still in a good position to qualify for the World Cup, despite their 1-0 home defeat against 10-man Serbia.
Aleksandar Kolarov lashed home the only goal of their qualifying clash in Dublin after 54 minutes on Tuesday night with a left-footed drive from 15 yards which cannoned in off the bar.
The visitors then had Nikola Maksimovic sent off for a professional foul on Daryl Murphy after 68 minutes but the Republic could not find an equaliser.
Martin O'Neill's side have dropped down to third in Group D, a point behind second-placed Wales and five adrift of leaders Serbia with two games remaining.
However, Hull midfielder Meyler is confident they can overcome the deficit and make it to Russia next summer.
Meyler, speaking to Sky Sports, said: "We can't have too many regrets. We poured our heart and soul into the performance and gave it everything.
"They probably had two good chances, but overall I think we deserved something from the game, probably three points, but we couldn't put the ball in the back of the net."
The Republic still have to play Moldova and then Wales in a potentially crucial final group-stage fixture in October in Cardiff.
Meyler added: "We are hugely disappointed but we have been in this situation before, our aim is to win those two games and I believe we will.
"It's not dead. We've got two games left. We're still in a good position, we've got Moldova at home and Wales away."
