Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott has given his support to Caoimhin Kelleher after the keeper’s mistake led to Greece’s second goal in their 2-0 Nations Cup win on Sunday.
Kelleher made a string of fine saves in the Athens encounter before a late blunder saw him pass straight to Petros Mantalos, who then rounded the Liverpool stopper to slot home.
“It’s frustrating for all of us, there is nothing we can do. Everyone makes mistakes, Caoimh doesn’t make many,” said Parrott.
“Everyone in the dressing room is behind him, but I don’t think he needs it because he’s strong enough mentally to deal with it.
“Obviously, it’s frustrating to give a good side like this chances, especially at that time in the game when we were coming back into it and creating good chances ourselves. It’s difficult, but we have to move on.”
The Irish went into the game on a high after beating Finland 2-1 in Helsinki on Thursday night – their first win of the campaign and a first victory under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.
Greece captain Tasos Bakasetas put his side in front early in the second half before Mantalos sealed the points for the Group B2 pacesetters, who shocked England with a 2-1 win at Wembley three days earlier.