Darren Randolph: Made one great save from an audacious Sergiu Platica effort in the first half, and otherwise didn’t have much to do. 7
Cyrus Christie: Caused Moldova problems down the right, though his end product was lacking at times. 6
Ciaran Clark: Not an overly taxing evening for the Newcastle centre-back, but did what he had to well. 7
Shane Duffy: Marshalled the defence fairly well, and was a threat from set pieces down the other end. 7
Stephen Ward: Solid at the back and had a hand in both goals, producing the long throw for the first and a well-executed cross for the second. 8
David Meyler: One dodgy backpass to Randolph aside, Meyler barely put a foot wrong, mopping up nicely in front of the back four. 7
Jeff Hendrick: Played one or two nice passes, but was quiet and never really stamped his influence on the game in the way Hoolahan and O’Dowda did. 6
Callum O’Dowda: Rose to the occasion on his full competitive debut. Combined well with Hoolahan at times and wasn’t afraid to take players on and play the difficult pass. 8
Wes Hoolahan: Linked play brilliantly on occasion, producing a lovely sweeping cross-field pass for the second goal. The game’s most influential player. 8
Daryl Murphy: Won a well-deserved man-of-the-match award, he took both his goals very well and will feel he has done enough to warrant a starting spot against Wales. 8
Shane Long: Ran his heart out and won plenty of headers, but missed more than one gilt-edged opportunity. 6
Subs: It was nothing more than a light training session for Harry Arter, Aiden McGeady and Sean Maguire. The game was all but over when they came on and they didn’t really have enough time to influence the play. n/a
Martin O’Neill: Can be satisfied with three points and an easy win, while his decisions in picking fringe players such as Murphy and O’Dowda were vindicated. 8
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