Whelan calls for positive reaction

WHAT a difference a game makes.

Rarely has one defeat left so many questions hanging accusingly over an Irish side as last Friday’s against Russia and no department of the team or management has been left undisturbed by the many probes launched since.

Formation, playing style and personnel have all been hauled under the spotlight for examination after a deeply disturbing night in Ballsbridge when the positive endorphins generated by two wins from two in Group B were flushed from the collective system.