I'M SURE Giovanni Trapattoni, like all managers on their first outing, would have liked to procure a win with a good performance. Neither was forthcoming, but considering how circumstances unfolded on Saturday, he was probably satisfied to snatch a late draw from the jaws of defeat.

It was a notable contrast from the Steve Staunton era, when defeat was regularly snatched from the jaws of a draw - or a draw from a seemingly certain win. Maybe this is an early sign that the latest man in the hot seat will be blessed with some much-needed luck.

I, for one, didn't expect much considering the absence of Aiden McGeady, the two Reids, John O'Shea, Kevin Kilbane, Lee Carsley, Steve Finnan and Stephen Ireland - presuming the last two decide to return. This list shows we were well short of what should be our starting team come the autumn.

Trapattoni started his regime rather cautiously, allowing the side to go about their business until the 70th minute, when he introduced Daryl Murphy as his first substitute; and this despite Ireland being generally outplayed by a slicker Serbian outfit.

I suspect he wished to have a decent look at what will be many of his back-up players once competitive matches get under way. Considering all this, eking out a late draw against technically superior opponents is more than acceptable.

The only noticeable tactical variation from the Staunton era was Robbie Keane's position almost exclusively in the final third of the pitch beside Kevin Doyle. Many have been frustrated by his tendency to drop deep and help out in midfield, but his failure to do so here assisted Serbia's dominance in this area.

We will need a better balance and players capable of competing at a higher tempo from midfield if the two-up-front approach is to be maintained. The modern trend is toward three in the middle or one up front and a deep-lying centre forward helping out midfield - Stephen Ireland being an obvious example from an Irish perspective.

Unfortunately, Robbie's performance may have suffered as a result of his recent absence from the camp in Portugal. His partner, Doyle, worked tirelessly as usual, but just as in a difficult season for Reading, he was short of the high standards of the previous year.

The front two were also hindered from making any real headway by the uncompromising excellence of the 19-year-old PSV centre half Slobodan Rajkovic.

Dean Kiely, on his reappearance after five years, brought the usual confidence and as ever looks the obvious replacement if Shay Given's injury problems continue.

The back four performed adequately until the concession of Marko Pantelic's neatly finished goal but at times it was only the pace and last-ditch tackling of Richard Dunne and Stephen Kelly that masked the uncertainty.

Damien Delaney can still be pleased with his debut after the long and winding road to this level that started with a move from Cork City to Leicester City at the turn of the century. He was, however, rescued a couple of times by Stephen Hunt when caught out of position.

Paul McShane's rehabilitation from a difficult period at club and international level still has some way to go. To remain in contention for a starting role, he needs first-team football from the start of next season, and that looks unlikely at Sunderland. He and Delaney were badly at fault for the Serbs' goal.

Glenn Whelan can be content with his step up from the depths of the English League Championship at Sheffield Wednesday until recently. He is always willing and honest, though it's hard to see him being a regular international when others return. Whelan and Liam Miller only began to impose themselves late in the game, assisted by an injection from the bench.

A sad aspect of the night was an almost empty Croke Park for Andy Keogh's expertly taken equaliser - especially when contrasted to the excitement and intense emotion of Munster's Heineken Cup final.

The goal, when it came, allowed Trap and his consigliore Marco Tardelli a chance to celebrate deliriously, which seemed as much out of relief as joy. Liam Brady was more restrained and even looked embarrassed at their delight. The Italian outpouring of emotion was understandable considering their salaries and the expectations they bring.

Hunt, despite his best efforts, looked tired and lacking drive; again this can be put down to his long, difficult season at Reading.

Damien Duff showed some of his trickery and enthusiasm for the cause but the spark that ignited many a performance was absent and may only return if he re-establishes himself at Newcastle, or wherever he turns up for pre-season training. The quality crosses never flowed here. His return to form is vital for our World Cup qualification hopes.

Among our upcoming World Cup opponents, Montenegro will have players of similar technical qualities to what we saw on Saturday night and this could cause us some problems against group minnows. Hopefully, those who retain their place, and the management, will take the necessary lessons.

Thursday's meeting with Colombia at Craven Cottage is a chance for Trapattoni to run the rule over the rest of this squad. On this display, we don't envisage a style evolving until the Norway friendly next August.