"We didn't start right and Ireland were the better team in the first half, although we improved and the only difference was that they scored a goal and we didn't," said the Liverpool striker.
"We've only got three points so far, it's going to be tough now. But we usually manage to lift ourselves for the next game, even if the dressing room was down afterwards, no question.
"That first-half chance I had was very disappointing. I was through, but I over-ran it just a touch. But Shay Given is as brave as they come. He's pretty quick off the mark as well, and he got down to make a fine save."