Darren Randolph 8

Brave and dependable, he made one gutsy save at the feet of Thomas Delaney in the first half and was unflappable thereafter. The usual steady showing from the Middlesbrough man.

Matt Doherty 6

A frustrating full international debut for Doherty, who found himself pegged back in his right wing-back role far more often than he'd have liked. Wasn't fed enough service and thus found it very difficult to make an impact offensively.

Cyrus Christie 7

Eyebrows were raised when Christie lined up in the midfield three but he did quite well. Shielded the defence effectively enough and had Ireland's only decent strike on target, a stinger that forced Schmeichel into a good save. 

Richard Keogh 7

Part of a central defensive three that did fine. Looks comfortable playing with Duffy and Denmark didn't really stretch them, although Ireland sat very deep.

Shane Duffy 7

Had a shout for a penalty at the death when he tumbled under pressure from Henrik Dalsgaard. It would have been soft. Always a threat from setpieces and defensively sound again.

Kevin Long 7

Does what's asked of him, no fuss, nothing fancy. Went direct a little too often when in possession but can be content with another solid showing for his country

Harry Arter 6

Dominated headlines in the build-up as he returned to the fold following the much-talked-about fallout with Roy Keane and he seemed like a man on a mission in the early exchanges. Made a few robust challenges as he looked to stamp his authority on proceedings but his influenced waned as the game went on and he was eventually replaced by Callum Robinson.

Callum O'Dowda 6

A really frustrating night at the office for O'Dowda. He's an easy on the eye player and always looks comfortable on the ball, showing off his eye for a pass but he needs to be in the heart of the midfield and never got to grips with his role in that three. Injury ended his night at half-time. 

James McClean 6

Started well and looked threatening down the left in the first 15 minutes. Relies, like all wide men, on good consistent service and he didn't get it. Guilty again of coughing up cheap frees and losing his concentration as the game passed him by.

Jeff Hendrick 6 

Regardless of whether or not he should have put the ball out when Arter was injured (it looked like he wasn’t aware he was down) the Burnley man still should have scored when clean through. Was tasked with offering support to Long but got caught in no-man's land as Denmark played triangles around the midfield.

Shane Long 8

Ploughed a lone furrow up top and made the most of the poor service he received. Couldn’t be faulted; was isolated for most of the 83 minutes he spent on the field but made the most of every high ball and hopeful punt that came his way. 

Substitutes

Enda Stevens 7 (O’Dowda 45) 

The former Shamrock Rovers defender was composed, solid and a good outlet on the left. Looked perfectly comfortable and can be happy with his 45. 

Callum Robinson 8 (Arter 65)

Easily the biggest positive of the night. He immediately threw his weight around and worked the channels. Given the opportunity, himself and Long - or Preston clubmate Sean Maguire - could strike up a useful partnership.

Aiden O’Brien 6 (Long 83)

Had a couple of neat touches but the Millwall man didn't have time to really have an influence.