By Micil Glennon
IRELAND V ESTONIA PLAYER RATINGS:
Shay Given - 6: A relatively quiet night for the Donegal man as he won his 120th cap. Got down well for a Voskoboinikov shot in the first half and while Vassiljev’s strike from distance did dip, we would have expected him to deal with it.
John O’Shea - 6: Showed no signs of his hamstring strain and his man didn’t really get a sniff. Trapattoni and Ireland can’t afford to lose him to injury for Euro 2012.
Sean St Ledger - 6: Solid, no nonsense, exactly what was required from the Leicester City man. Vital block on Saag at the end to make sure the Estonians didn’t spoil the party.
Richard Dunne - 7: Ireland’s player of the campaign solidified his reputation. Having been a squad member in 2002 without seeing any front-line action, he will be happiest of all to line out in Poland & Ukraine.
Stephen Ward - 7: Made an important clearance in the 14th minute as Voskoboinikov threatened to sneak in behind the defence. Now confirmed as Kevin Kilbane’s replacement and has a knack of scoring – that’s two in nine caps for the former Bohs man.
Stephen Hunt - 5: Never really got into the game and has probably nailed down his place as an impact substitute. Perhaps guilty of trying too hard.
Glenn Whelan - 6: Another industrious shift from the Stoke midfielder under little pressure from the visiting midfielders. Would have been aware of Vassiljev’s threat from outside the box so disappointing that he gave him the space to let off a shot.
Keith Andrews - 6: Lucky to escape a booking after jumping into a tackle two-footed off the ground in the first half. Went looking for work, and the Estonia midfield stood off him for the most part. He provides exactly what his manager wants.
Damien Duff - 8: Showed glimpses of his early noughties form but his role in the team is now that of elder statesman; his ‘foot on the ball’ experience is invaluable. Deserved man of the match.
Robbie Keane - 6: Missed three, by his standard, good chances in the first half and was denied by Londak in the second. Another honest effort from the captain. Replaced by Cox with 20 minutes to play. Scored seven goals during the course of the campaign and Ireland wouldn’t be making the trip east without his vital contribution.
Kevin Doyle - 7: Slotted seamlessly back into partnership with Keane and got his last Irish game out of the system. Rarely lost the ball - was fouled or got it to a teammate. If Trapattoni had a doubt about Keane’s foil, he shouldn’t now.
Aiden McGeady – 6: Looked eager when he came on and set up Keane with a through ball straight away.
Simon Cox – 6: Didn’t see much action but he is Trap’s kind of man and sure to go to the tournament.
Keith Fahey - 6: Got his standard 10 minutes and provided a fresh pair of legs for the last few plays.
