Paul McShane has improved his concentration according to Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni who has defended his continued support of the Hull City defender.
With Richard Dunne unavailable for selection for Tuesday night's friendly in London against Brazil the Wicklow native deputised and endured a torrid second-half against the five-time World Cup champions.
However, the Italian, who has consistently used McShane since his appointment, insists that the 24-year-old ex-Manchester United youth was not to blame for either the concession of a key goal against Italy in Bari or for allowing Thierry Henry slip in on his blindside before the handball in Paris that ended Ireland's World Cup dream.
"In France? No, the ball . . . it was offside," Trapattoni said.
"In Bari (where McShane was moved from right-back into the central defence following a torrid opening half) it was a different interpretation, it showed that he had a different football schooling. It is habits they pick up with their club. With their club, they are seen and judged in a different way but when they come with us, we tell them otherwise.
"Before, he gives team the situations. I ask, 'why you do this foul?'. Richard Dunne, before me, he fouled too much as well. And then there was a card and he was suspended. But now, Dunne is one of the best stoppers. They must understand the situation."