Here are the Ireland player ratings on a night heroes were made

On a famous night, there was only one person for man-of-the-match…

Here are the Ireland player ratings on a night heroes were made

On a famous night, there was only one person for man-of-the-match…

DARREN RANDOLPH: Recovered from a nervy start and flummoxed Simone Zaza with a neat turn under pressure in the first half. Was beaten by a strike from Lorenzo Insigne but it came back off a post. 6

Darren Randolph gathers the ball ahead of Simone Zaza at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Photo by Ray McManus / Sportsfile
Darren Randolph gathers the ball ahead of Simone Zaza at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Photo by Ray McManus / Sportsfile

SEAMUS COLEMAN: Didn't get much joy down the flanks in the first half. Should perhaps have done better when a loose ball fell to him in the area in a second half in which he made some decent runs but offered no end product. 6

SHANE DUFFY: Did well in the air against Italy's forwards and sent a header over the crossbar in the second half. Was a nuisance in the opposition penalty area and solid in his own penalty box. 7

RICHARD KEOGH: Had little to do in the first half but made some important clearances in the second half. 6

STEPHEN WARD: Was solid defensively but inconsistent with his crossing at the other end of the pitch. Ward was booked in the second half for a robust challenge. 6

JEFF HENDRICK: Another decent display by the Derby midfielder. Hendrick was inches away with a superb long-range effort in the first half and produced some nice solo runs and neat passing throughout. 7

Jeff Hendrick takes a shot at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille. Photo: Chris Radburn/PA
Jeff Hendrick takes a shot at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille. Photo: Chris Radburn/PA

JAMES MCCLEAN: Was a threat going forward, making some strong runs. Closed down well and ran all night for the cause. Felt he should have had a first-half penalty. 8

James McClean appeals for a penalty. Photo by Paul Mohan / Sportsfile
James McClean appeals for a penalty. Photo by Paul Mohan / Sportsfile

JAMES MCCARTHY: Broke up play well and his distribution was simple yet effective. Had a quiet second half and was taken off for Wes Hoolahan as Martin O'Neill threw caution to the wind. 6

ROBBIE BRADY: Man of the match. Martin O'Neill spoke about the importance of set-pieces and his corners and free-kicks were good. Ran all night and popped up in the box to score a superb header. 9

Ireland's Robbie Brady celebrates scoring the winning goal. Pic: INPHO/Donall Farmer
Ireland's Robbie Brady celebrates scoring the winning goal. Pic: INPHO/Donall Farmer

SHANE LONG: Was a nuisance all night. Didn't have a sniff at goal but linked up well with Brady. Booked for a scuffle with goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu and won some brave headers in the second half. 6

DARYL MURPHY: Won his fair share of headers and held the ball up well at times. Saw a powerful header from a corner tipped over in the first half but was quiet in the second. 6

Italy’s Angelo Ogbonna vies for the ball with Daryl Murphy and Seamus Coleman. AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic
Italy’s Angelo Ogbonna vies for the ball with Daryl Murphy and Seamus Coleman. AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic

Subs:

AIDEN MCGEADY (for Murphy, 70 mins): Fired well over with one sight on goal and sent a header straight at the goalkeeper. 6

WES HOOLAHAN (for McCarthy, 77 mins): Was presented with a clear chance to score but fired straight at the goalkeeper, but made up for it with a superb cross for Brady's goal. 6

STEPHEN QUINN (for Long, 90 mins): N/A

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Jonathan Hill 26/3/2024 FAI 'on schedule' for April announcement of new manager
Bohemians Media Conference New Bohemians boss Alan Reynolds could continue role with Ireland U21s
Republic of Ireland v Wales - UEFA Nations League B FAI chiefs met with Roy Keane three times over managerial vacancy
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited