STEPHEN KENNY has admitted Ireland can 'only blame themselves' after suffering a second defeat in a row to Ukraine last night. 

Ireland again failed to win a Nations League game, a record that extends back to the Nations League inception in 2018. That is now twelve Nations League games without a win for Ireland. 

Viktor Tsygankov's strike at the start of second half proved the difference between the sides and Kenny is still insistent that Ireland should have beaten Armenia on Saturday despite losing 1-0.

"I’m disappointed to lose the game," said Kenny, speaking at the post match press conference. 

"That’s two games that hung in the balance. We didn’t deserve to lose in Armenia and tonight we started really well and finished strong. 

The Ireland boss does not believe however that Ireland are in a bad place in terms of the Nations League group after picking up 0 points from their first two game but did admit that Ireland were hurting from the two defeats in the space of a week. 

"There are points to be won and that is certainly our intention. We could easily have four points and we don’t, and we only have ourselves to blame in that regard', he added. 

"We don’t want to get into the habit of losing matches like we have in the last couple. 

"We’re hurting at the moment, and we don’t have time for that such is the quick turnaround and have to get ready for Scotland." 

Ukraine coach Oleksandr Petrakov paid tribute and praised Irish people for their efforts to take in refugees amidst the ongoing war in their own country. 

"Clearly this is a very difficult time when Ukrainians come to see us playing in Ireland, Ukrainians who were accepted by this incredible hospitality by the Irish people," said Petrakov. 

"You guys took in our women and children, who were risking their lives back in Ukraine and I want to extend our gratitude to the whole of Ireland. 

"I understand those Ukrainians who were in the stands today, all they wanted to see was just a bit of positivity from our team. But at the same time, they’re really longing to go home, go back to Ukraine and we made them a little bit happier tonight. That is the major achievement, in my view." 

Next for Ireland is the test of Scotland. The game starts on Saturday at 17.00 in the Aviva Stadium.