Daniel Ballard said the mood in the Northern Ireland camp was "fairly positive"despite slipping to defeat at home to Finland in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Benjamin Kallman's 28th minute goal was the difference between the sides on the night as Michael O'Neill's men suffered their first loss of the campaign.
They pushed hard for a leveller on the night but a mixture of poor finishing and a lack of composure in the final third left the hosts frustrated at the National Stadium.
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Ballard, who was forced off early in the second half, said there were plenty of positives for the squad to take from the game.
"The mood in the changing room is fairly positive considering the result," the Sunderland man said.
"I think we had a good structure to our play today.
"Everyone knew the game plan and believed we could win.
"I think we put in a good performance but unfortunately we just couldn't get it over the line.
"We just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net.
"I think on the whole though if we perform like that for the rest of the group then we're going to pick up a lot of points.
"It is a young squad, there's a lot of energy in the group.
"We have some very talented players and we've got a great manager that gives us good instructions and we have a good way of playing.
"If we continue to put in performances like that and the lads continue to show their talent then I'm sure we will pick up a lot of points along the way."
Northern Ireland started on the front foot and had several opportunities to break the deadlock before Finland's opener.
The defender was undone for Kallman's goal as Teemu Pukki's flick took the ball away for him before the forward finished from close range.
Ballard though felt the hosts were well on top throughout the game but just couldn't take their opportunities when they came along.
"I think we were on top for most of the game," said the centre back.
"It was quite a poor goal to concede, which we are frustrated about.
"But I felt we were in control throughout the whole game and we always had a threat going forward."
Ballard is now hoping to get some positive news about his injury.
He is hopeful it is nothing too serious as he heads back to Sunderland.
"I'm not too sure yet I just felt a little something go," he said.
"I'm hoping for the best. I don't think it's anything too serious, I will hopefully get a scan in the next few days and be back playing again very soon."
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