That was Kerr’s tactic against Italy in the second half at Lansdowne Road last night after a first half in which Marcello Lippi’s side were clinically incisive.

Goals from Andrea Pirlo and Alberto Gilardino by the half-hour mark were fully deserved as Ireland had no answer to the cut and thrust of the Italians’ flowing football.

Tottenham winger Andy Reid provided an immediate response with his first goal for almost a year, but it proved nothing more than a consolation as Kerr suffered his first home defeat as manager after a 17-game unbeaten run.

At least in the second period Ireland tightened up and were more forceful, noticeably when they reverted to a 4-4-2 system in the 73rd minute with the introduction of Stephen Elliott after previously playing 4-3-3.

Morrison, who looks set to leave Birmingham in the near future after Norwich had a £2m (€2.95m) bid accepted, feels it is vital Ireland quickly set about France on September 7 as he said: “It was a good game, but just disappointing that we lost the match.

“We had lapses of concentration for the goals. That was a pity because Shay [Given] had done well to make initial saves.

“But we just didn’t cope with them in the first 20 minutes because of our system. We got used to it after that and played attractive football after their goals went in.

“We also roughed them up a bit. Brian wanted us to get in their face and play at a high tempo, which is something we obviously didn’t do in the first 20 minutes.

“We did after that, and had chances to win the game at the end. Now we have to do the same against France. We have to knock them out of their stride.

“But if we don’t put away our chances and we don’t defend well, then we will pay for it. We won’t qualify and we don’t deserve to qualify if we do that.

“At least it will be a different team when we do play France. It would have helped us if we had had Roy [Keane] in the middle of the park and Robbie [Keane] up front.

“We’ll have those two back for France, so we’ll be a different proposition.”

Newcastle goalkeeper Given also feels he and his team-mates can draw comfort from the second-half performance, and build on it when they face France.

“We knew they were a quality team, but we didn’t expect as much of an onslaught as we got in the first half,” said Given.

“They showed what a good side they really are. They passed the ball so well, and their movement was first class, which we found hard to deal with at times.

“But our spirit was good in the second half. We stuck together, made it difficult for them and kept fighting until the end.

“If anyone was going to score in the second half it was us. On another night, and with a bit of luck, we could have got a goal.

“But I don’t think we should be worried about France. I’m sure we’ll give them a good game.”