SAINTS midfielder Will Smallbone admitted he was 'embarrassed' to be awarded player of the match following Ireland's 2-0 defeat to Greece on Tuesday evening.
Second half goals from Fotis Ioannidis and Christos Tzolis saw Ireland fall to their second consecutive 2-0 defeat - having lost by the same score against England.
Smallbone, 24, is still searching for his first win of the season having suffered three defeats with Saints in the Premier League.
Speaking in a post-match interview, the midfielder expressed his belief that player of the match awards should not be handed out to a losing team.
He said: "I’m probably as embarrassed as anyone, receiving a man of the match award when we’ve lost a game. I’m not sure why it’s done, but it is and I can’t control it.
"It’s not my decision. But we understand the fans’ reaction and we are working as hard as we can to turn it around, and I believe we will.
"It hurts us every time that we can’t give the fans a result and something back for their unwavering support of us. But I believe that we will in the near future."
Smallbone will now return to Staplewood ahead of Southampton's Premier League meeting with Manchester United at St Mary's.
The academy graduate has started every league game so far this season but was withdrawn at half-time during the 3-1 defeat at Brentford.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel