• Keith Andrews apologises to Irish fans for early exit
• Former captain Roy Keane blasts 'sing-song' mentality
The Republic of Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews admitted "we shot ourselves in the foot" after their hopes of Euro 2012 progress ended with a 4-0 thrashing by Spain in Gdansk.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side were once again guilty of conceding early goals at the start of each half, with Fernando Torres opening the scoring after just four minutes to give the reigning champions a perfect start.
"We tried to say before the game let's learn our lessons but we shot ourselves in the foot again," said Andrews.
"They were silly goals and we didn't learn, but they're such a top side any lapse in concentration is going to hurt you. For the majority of the game we were chasing shadows and we couldn't get near them. They are a fantastic side."
Andrews went on to pay tribute to the Irish fans who made up the majority of the crowd in the stadium, saying: "The fans were an absolute credit to their country and unfortunately we have not been able to give them what they deserved.
"We're playing [against Italy] purely for the fans and for our own pride. They've travelled in their thousands.
"With seven or eight minutes to go all you can hear is the Irish fans and we're losing three or four-nil."
But Andrews' reaction drew a furious response from the former Republic captain Roy Keane, who insisted his nation needed to change their mentality if they wanted more success on the international stage.
Keane said: "I think the players and supporters have to change their mentality. It's just nonsense to say how great the supporters are. The supporters want to see the players do a lot better and not give daft goals away like that.
"Let's change that attitude towards Irish supporters. Let's not kid ourselves, they want to see their team winning, Let's not just go along for the sing-song now and again."
Keane also criticised the Irish performance, insisting: "It was a wake-up call for these players. The goals they gave away tonight at any level were absolutely shocking." Read More
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