After two painful defeats on the bounce, Ireland got back to winning ways with a resounding 3-0 win over Scotland.
Here's how we rated Stephen Kenny's men...
Caoimhín Kelleher 6
Was noticeable how well he read some of the long balls played over the top and was able to either sweep up and maintain possession or simply clear to safety. Had to make one save from a tame John McGinn shot in the 13th minute and collected another cross under pressure in the second. Other than that he was pretty well protected, other than a couple of occasions were Ireland played themselves into trouble.
Nathan Collins 7
Continued his starring role at the start of this campaign and can now at least savour a winning result for his efforts. The clean sheet is also a welcome boost for a player who has taken his opportunity when presented and will take some shifting from the starting XI. He was comfortable taking possession and helped boss Southampton's Che Adams out of the game.
Shane Duffy 6
His booking for a cynical foul on Andy Robertson after giving ball away in the 59th minute means he will miss the trip to Lodz for the Ukraine game on Tuesday. He could probably do with the rest, even if he did have a major impact in the Scotland box with his knock down for Alan Browne's opener. Gifted Scotland two great chances to score with two poor passes but was dominant in the air.
John Egan 6
Rolled his ankle during the first half of the defeat to Ukraine and Wednesday and had been ruled out by the manager the day before this game. Perhaps an indication of his important to the set up that he ended up playing the full 90 minutes. Sprayed on brilliant 40-yard cross field ball to set up an attack for Alan Browne and had little to worry about in terms of a feeble Scottish attack.
Alan Browne 7
A surprise inclusion at right wing back, even if he did finish Wednesday’s defeat there after coming on as a substitute. Crept in at the back post to bundle home Duffy’s header and showed once again that he offers a goal threat from both open and set play. Andy Robertson managed to get free on a couple of occasions in the first half but that avenue was shorn up after the break.
Jayson Molumby 7
The West Brom midfielders first international start in almost a year having dropped down the pecking order as a result of Josh Cullen and Jeff Hendrick’s partnership. Replaced the latter here and injected a desire and fight to the midfield that had been lacking previously. It was his anticipation of the breaking ball that led to him winning the slide tackle which seconds later Michael Obafemi rifled into the net for Ireland’s third.
Josh Cullen 7
Definitely felt as if he benefitted from having a player with the energy and snarl of Molumby. Cullen had struggled in the previous two games, especially as they wore on, but here he continued to offer Ireland a calming presence and didn’t seem to shy away from offering himself in tight positions.
James McClean 7
After a couple of iffy deliveries from free play, the veteran showed his experience by not letting those difficult moments throw him off kilter. His corners and free kicks were delivered with a purpose that had been lacking in the opening two games of this campaign and it was his corner that led to the opener after picking out the run of Duffy to the back post. When Ireland didn’t need to chase a game he was able to settle into the defensive shape to provide added protection. This was his 93rd cap and the century is in sight.
Troy Parrott 8
He played like he was angry at being dropped following the Armenia defeat. But when it came to being cold and clinical he delivered with ruthless precision. His goal owed as much to his own desire as it did the technical ability to connect with a deft header. On 26 minutes and 57 seconds he was on his backside after winning a ball in the air and directing it to Michael Obafemi. Six seconds later he was getting on the end of his partner’s pass after bursting a gut into the box. Can also claim an assist for Obafemi’s stunner after feeding the ball in. Worked tirelessly.
Michael Obafemi 9
Talk about making a point. There had been some consternation when the Swansea City striker said he didn’t want to be called up to the Under-21 squad as he saw himself as a senior player. He delivered on that promise on his full debut. One outrageous assist for Parrott’s goal was followed by the kind of sensational long-range strike that the great Gabriel Batistuta would be proud of. Worryingly, he limped off in the 56th minute but he did so to a deserved standing ovation after putting in the kind of all-round display that has set a benchmark.
Jason Knight 7
Stephen Kenny said his stats for high intensity sprints were off the charts against Ukraine on Wednesday. The young midfielder, operating just off the attack and providing valuable support to Cullen and Molumby, showed no signs of fatigue until he was eventually replaced with just under 20 minutes to go. Growing ever more important to how the Ireland manager wants to play.
Substitutes
Scott Hogan for Obafemi (56) – Looked as if he had a goal with a back post header but a VAR check ruled otherwise. Ran the channels and showed to feet to provide much needed options to keep Ireland moving up the pitch. 6
Conor Hourihane for Knight (72) – Helped maintain control of a game that Ireland were able to seize the initiative in by showing a ruthless side. 5
Jeff Hendrick for Molumby (84).
Callum Robinson for Parrott (84).
