Here’s how we rated the Boys in Green this evening.
DARREN RANDOLPH – 6
The Bray man’s distribution was less than impressive at times, but otherwise he did the basics well and made a good save towards the end of the game to deny David Brooks his second. He also made a save against Kieffer Moore which should have been a goal. There wasn’t much he could have done for the Welsh goal.
MATT DOHERTY – 6
Doherty started at right back today after starting on the other side against England. He was arguably Ireland’s best player in that match, but he failed to have the same effect this evening. That said, he didn’t play badly and kept possession well.
SHANE DUFFY – 6
Dominant in the air as usual and comfortable at the back. He had a couple of opportunities in the opposition box but none of which were clear cut.
KEVIN LONG – 6
Long came in to take the place of the injured John Egan for this evening’s game. He took his chance well as he looked solid at the back. The Burnley man made a particularly impressive tackle on Dan James after a marauding run to stop a Welsh attack.
DARA O’SHEA – 6
Dara O’Shea’s cameo against England was enough to land him a starting role this evening. He had the unenviable role of guarding Gareth Bale but stuck to his job well as he kept the Welshman quiet. He gave away possession on occasion but that didn’t lead to any key chances. Subbed off for Callum O’Dowda in the 80th minute.
JAYSON MOLUMBY – 5
Provided good energy in midfield but failed to impact the game as much as he would have liked. He received a yellow card in the first half which means he will miss the next game against Bulgaria. Subbed off in the 74th minute for Conor Hourihane.
JEFF HENDRICK – 4
Hendrick has operated deeper than he normally does in the last two fixtures. So far, the midfielder has provided a useful option when playing out from the back in particular. He did, however, lose possession twice towards the end of the second half which nearly resulted in Welsh goals. He was also sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the dying embers of the game. He now misses the next match against Bulgaria.
ROBBIE BRADY – 7
Had Ireland’s first chance of the game in the 17th minute as the ball fell to him from just outside the box. Unfortunately, though, he shot just over. He also played a brilliant lofted ball through to James McClean in the 30th minute which resulted in a shot on goal. Undoubtedly Ireland’s best player in the first half, he didn’t play as well in the second but still looked comfortable in possession. Subbed off for Jack Byrne in the 80th minute.
DARYL HORGAN – 5
Horgan’s pace and directness caused problems for England on occasion the other night, but he didn’t have the same type of impact tonight. He did provide one good cross which led to a Robbie Brady chance but otherwise he wasn’t involved too much. Came off in the 58th minute for Jason Knight.
JAMES MCCLEAN – 6
McClean had one half chance after a brilliant off the ball run which caught the attention of Robbie Brady. Otherwise, he was tidy in possession and hard working when on the receiving end.
ADAM IDAH – 6
Showed a couple of nice touches and held the ball up well but failed to trouble the keeper. He had one good opportunity after some good work by Robbie Brady but was stopped in his tracks by Joe Rodon. Subbed off in the 74th minute for James Collins.
SUBSTITUTIONS
JASON KNIGHT – 5
Failed to get involved that much after coming on. Received a yellow card near the end of the match.
JAMES COLLINS – 6
Collins had an opportunity immediately after coming on but it was easy for the keeper to gather. He had two other opportunities afterwards but both were easily saved by the keeper.
CONOR HOURIHANE – 5
Hourihane whipped in one good corner after coming on but failed to get involved otherwise.
JACK BYRNE – N/A (WASN’T ON THE PITCH LONG ENOUGH)
Certain sections of the Irish support have been crying out for a Jack Byrne appearance since Stephen Kenny took over. They got their wish today as the Shamrock Rovers midfielder came on near the end of the game. He didn’t have much time to have an impact but he was very tidy in possession after coming on.
CALLUM O’DOWDA – N/A (WASN’T ON THE PITCH LONG ENOUGH)
The Bristol City man made one good run after coming on but failed to get involved otherwise.
