Here is how we rated the Boys in Green in the 3-0 victory over Gibraltar.
Gavin Bazunu 6
Very little can be said about a goalkeeper that played the entire game within a few meters of his own box. Gibraltar caused very little problems for Ireland over the 90 minutes, with the stats showing they only had one shot on target, and the biggest job that Bazunu had was passing the ball out.
Dara O'Shea 5
The defender returned to the starting XI and enjoyed a comfortable evening, solid if not spectacular over the 90 minutes.
John Egan 6
The defender had one of the quietest nights of his career, spending the majority of the game stationed on the half-way line. Egan's primary job, as a result, was passing the ball and initiating Ireland’s attacks. When he was called in to action, the Sheffield United man sprinted back in the second half to stop a Gibraltar counter-attack by blocking the passing lanes.
Nathan Collins 4
The Wolves man started in the back three, but with little defending required, was sacrificed at the interval as Mikey Johnston was introduced as the home side chased the crucial opening goal.
Josh Cullen 5
While Ireland, as expected dominated possession, Cullen struggled to make inroads against the white wall in front of him, and was guilty of a few wayward passes. Grew into the contest.
Evan Ferguson 7
The striker got his first competitive senior international goal, and it was a just reward for an industrious performance by the teenager. He never stopped running, even with two defenders marking him from the first minute. He repeatedly found space, and almost used this to score the opening goal of the game in the first half.
Michael Obafemi 6
It was a frustrating night for the striker, as he had to fall back and try and create space for strike partner Ferguson, and never looked entirely uncomfortable with this role. Went close in the first half, but narrowly missed the ball right in front of the posts.
James McClean 7
The Irish centurion never stopped running while he was on the pitch in an effort to find space to cross the ball. He capped off thespecial night with assists for Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah.
Jason Knight 8
The engine of the team on the right flank. Knight showed his intentions within the first 30 seconds as he set up Jamie McGrath for a shot inside the area. One of his best displays in a green shirt.
Jamie McGrath 6
The midfielder came back into the Irish team and made an immediate impression by forcing a low save from the Gibraltar goalkeeper within the opening 30 seconds.
Will Smallbone 6
The U21 graduate occupied the playmaker role and spent the majority of the game frustrated as Gibraltar shut up shop through the middle. The Southampton man, who spent the season on loan at Stoke, managed to recycle possession and keep Ireland moving on the wings, but will be hoping to impose himself more at this level.
Subs:
Mikey Johnston 7
His introduction totally changed the pace of the game as it added a new sense of urgency into the Irish forward line. His good work was justly rewarded with the opening goal eight minutes after his introduction.
Troy Parrott 6
Was denied a goal by an excellent reflex save after coming on.
Alan Browne 6
Was a lively presence upon his introduction, demanding the ball and injecting a better tempo to the passing. It’s exactly what he does every week with Preston North End, and he did it once again in a green jersey.
Adam Idah 7
The striker was in the right place at the right time to head in his first senior international goal. A special moment for the Norwich City attacker.
Jeff Hendrick 5
The game was done and dusted by the time he was introduced in the 84th minute.
