Despite the results, there have been some positives to take away from the Stephen Kenny era thus far.
The style of football has been one, with the team making strides in terms of keeping the ball. The blooding of a number of young emerging talents has been another, with Dara O'Shea amongst that bunch.
The West Brom defender has already put in some excellent performances for Ireland and looks like a building block in the team moving forward.
O'Shea was one of four 21-year olds to start in Belgrade, but he doesn't believe that inexperience proved to be an issue. Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow's game against Luxembourg, the Dubliner said the experienced players in the squad were a huge help in the buildup to the fixture.
I don't think it's any problem at all. Obviously the squad is hugely experienced in that, so it doesn't really matter who's playing in that XI, it is the squad as a collective. They can give information to us on the training pitch and in the changing room, so I don't really see that as a problem as such.
We've got some unbelievably experienced players here, players who have so many caps for their country and have played so many times for their clubs as well...
There's a real buzz around training, a real buzz around the team hotel when everyone comes in to play for their country. There's a real feeling of pride there and everyone is just looking forward to the game on Saturday.
We played well in parts on Wednesday but a whole collective performance on Saturday is what we're working towards.
Seamus Coleman is one of the most experienced voices in the dressing room.
The Ireland captain made his first appearance of the Stephen Kenny era against Serbia, putting in a strong display as one of the back three.
O'Shea really enjoyed playing alongside him, while he also praised Shane Duffy for the support the Celtic man gave him despite not being selected in the starting XI.
Seamus [Coleman] is brilliant. He's outstanding for club and country and being the leader he is. Having the chance to play alongside him, which I haven't before, was great.
He really drives the team on and epitomises everything that Ireland is. He's a great leader on and off the pitch and is somebody that you want to be playing alongside...
Shane [Duffy] has been great with me all week. He has been giving me little tips and advice, and when somebody with that much experience and quality speaks, you listen.
For him to be so understanding and so supportive was great for me, and it gave me a boost in confidence...
It was more tactical stuff and being a leader in the back three, you've got to command it, you're the middle presence there so you've got to make it felt throughout the team.
O'Shea looks likely to be in the team once again for the visit of Luxembourg tomorrow evening, where three points is a must if Ireland are to have any ambitions of qualifying for next year's World Cup.
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