Stephen O’Donnell, the Kilmarnock defender, believes he will learn from his recent exposure to international football.
The 26-year-old endured difficult outings against Israel and Portugal and has acknowledged his own role in both defeats.
“Personally, I was really disappointed after the Israel game and I was also disappointed at being involved in a couple of the goals lost against Portugal,” he said.
“Again, that’s the small margins which make you a top player and an international player and that’s a learning curve for myself and the team as a collective. There were some things I did well. Maybe there were times when I could have been more positive, tried to play forward and help create.
“But I’m at a level I’m trying to give the ball to players who have more in their game going forward and then make runs off them to try and help out.
“We faced a good side and there are things I need to brush up on. The second goal, especially. The first goal was a bit unfortunate, but I dropped early at the second. There was a bit of an overload at the back post.
“I’ve seen their player make a run and I’ve tried to get in there, but the delivery has been perfect and I got punished. That was my fault. We were told to drop on the last step and I hold my hands up for that one.
“Reflection is great, but it wasn’t good enough at the time. I need to make sure I’m not involved in goals. I’m a defender first and foremost.”
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