St Ledger unhappy with referee

Republic of Ireland defender Sean St Ledger was critical of referee Pedro Proenca after this evening’s goalless Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovakia.

The Leicester centre-back was booked for an 87th-minute foul on Erik Jendrisek as Giovanni Trapattoni’s slipped two points behind Russia in Group B, and St Ledger was far from impressed with the Portuguese official.

He said on Sky Sports 3: “I just think the referee has to have a bit of common sense, really.

“I’ve not intentionally stuck my leg out. I tried to get out of the way and he’s just brandished the yellow card.

“I thought the referee was poor all night, really – indecisive, a lot of bad decisions. But that’s football. We have to try to get on with it and lift ourselves.”

Robbie Keane passed up a glorious opportunity to snatch victory, heading wide from just five yards with 16 minutes remaining.

Next up for the Republic is Tuesday’s crunch clash with leaders Russia in Moscow.

“We were looking for three points, being at home,” St Ledger said.

“The fans were magnificent and we had a couple of chances, but you have to take the positives – we kept another clean sheet and now we go to Moscow trying to get the three points. It’s possible.

“Russia are a good side – they won today [1-0 against FYR Macedonia] and obviously have gone a few points clear.

“But we will take the positive and try to crack on from here.”

St Ledger added: “Credit to the coaching staff and all the players in the squad for working hard.

“I think it’s well known the manager has brought in a disciplined, organised group of players and we’ve shown that. In international football to keep six clean sheets in a row is a bonus. We were looking for that goal but it wasn’t to be.

“You’ve got to give credit to Slovakia – they’re a very good side, qualified for the World Cup... they’ve got some good players. [Martin] Skrtel I thought was magnificent for them tonight – rock solid at the back.”