Here is how we rated the Boys in Green after the 2-1 defeat to Scotland in the Nations League.
Gavin Bazunu 6
Easy decision to recall the Southampton No 1 given Caoimhín Kelleher was absent through injury. His clipped passes and ability to pick out wing backs higher up offer important variation and it seemed apparent early on that Ireland were willing to use his long balls into the channels for the frontmen.
At full stretch for the Scotland equaliser but the finish was too precise and wasn't able to replicate his Cristiano Ronaldo exploits when Ryan Christie sent him the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Dara O’Shea 6
It was this time last year that the young Dubliner suffered the ankle injury against Portugal in Faro which brought a shuddering halt to his rise in a green jersey. He returned in the summer and has been an ever-present for West Brom.
That sharpness and match fitness is the reason why he was preferred to Shane Duffy and there could be no arguments with his place given how impressive he looked. Aggressive and willing to engage high up the pitch, it did appear as if he was caught by the movement of Lyndon Dykes in the box which allowed space for Jack Hendry to level.
Nathan Collins 6
Now appears as if the right side slot of that back three is his. In the first half he was close to flawless, picking clever passes, advancing forward when the opportunities presented and also have a deft touch. Ireland looked solid defensively too but after the re-start, as Scotland took their chance and earned their way back into contention, that level of assuredness evaporated all over the pitch. Equaliser came down the right side but the damage was already done by Matt Doherty.
John Egan 6
The 29-year-old wore the captain’s armband for the first time last October, and it might just become the norm from now on given how the Ireland defence is shaping up. He rose to the challenge of dealing with Lyndon Dykes for long periods and when he rifled in that first-half goal it looked as if it would be the perfect night. But that was not to be the case. Got a yellow in the second half too but this should be a defence that only grows stronger together.
Matt Doherty 5
Looked really assured and positive in the opening half, offering Ireland a constant outlet down that right side. But the Spurs man had a dreadful start to the second, putting in a feeble attempt to stop the cross which gave Scotland a leveller. Moments later he then blazed a great chance wide after creating the opening with a neat turn to come in on his weaker left. Scotland targeted him as he tired, to be expected given it’s his first start for club or country this season.
Josh Cullen 6
Like so many in a green jersey this was a night that see-sawed from the impressive to the miserable. Covered so much ground as usual and set a tone by chasing back in the eighth minute to deny Scott McTominay.
However, despite looking neat and tidy with his passing that confidence appeared to drain. Could have been easily sent off in first-half injury time when he kicked the ball away and then made a rash foul with a sliding tackle just seconds later.
Jayson Molumby 6
When Ireland seized control of the reverse fixture in Dublin after a shaky opening quarter, the midfielder’s energy and controlled aggression was a key factor in maintaining the advantage.
The same concoction worked a treat in the first 45 minutes and that tenacity almost paid dividends moments after Scotland equalised when he won a 50-50 tackle before teeing up Doherty who blazed a shot wide. Ran out of gas and was replaced by Alan Browne with a little under 15 minutes remaining.
Jason Knight 6
Full of industry and guile in the first half, closing down anyone in a dark blue jersey within sprinting distance. It looked as if that level of endeavour was going to work a treat but as Scotland responded in the second 45, his influence on proceeding waned. His inability to stamp authority was a symptom of Ireland being unable to dictate play on their terms and Scotland showing their superiority as the night wore on.
James McClean 6
Took the boos of the Scotland crowd and cupped his ears when his corner played a key part in Ireland opening the scoring after 18 minutes.
Has renewed competition for the left wing back slot following Robbie Brady’s re-emergence on the international scene, but he continued his impressive run of form for his country. Had to deal with the threat of Ryan Fraser off the bench for the final 30 minutes and did so with the kind of determination that has come to be expected of him.
Troy Parrott 5
A night of frustration for the 20-year-old who, despite posing a threat in behind and being composed with some link play, still saw one goal ruled out for offside after making his run too early, before fluffing his lines in a one-on-one in the 56th minute. He showed the ability to keep pace with Michael Obafemi and this time judged the timing of the pass, only to strike a tame shot straight at Craig Gordon.
Michael Obafemi 5
Withdrawn on the hour mark after a mixed evening. No repeat of his sensational goal and assist from the reverse fixture and while he never really had any sight of goal, he did find himself in two promising positions to tee up striker partner Parrott.
Both chances came on the counter, Obafemi driving forward and needing to pick the right passed. He dallied for the first in the 17th and played the ball too late, but the second was just right and Parrott missed a sitter to retake the lead.
Substitutes
Chiedozie Ogbene for Obafemi (60) – Instant impact by closing down a Craig Gordon clearance but couldn’t build on that. 5
Seamus Coleman for Doherty (76) – Booked among protestations at penalty award.
Alan Browne for Molumby (76) – No complaints at the award of the penalty with his arm that high.
Callum Robinson for Parrott (76) – Couldn’t make any impact.
Robbie Brady for McClean (82) – Booked in stoppage time.
