Things we learned from Budapest stalemate: Defensive solidity so welcome after Andorra wobbles

Conor Hourihane and Ryan Manning, right, of Republic of Ireland during the international friendly match against Hungary. Picture: Alex Nicodim/Sportsfile

Defensively solidity a sign of progress

One of the most dispiriting aspects of Thursday’s 4-1 win over Andorra was the ease with which the hosts were able to nullify Ireland’s attempts to build play from the back.