David Forde 7 – A couple of good saves from Marchisio and pounced on any loose balls in the box. Rightfully Ireland’s number one right now.
Seamus Coleman 6 – A quiet enough night for the Everton full-back who didn’t get forward as much as we’re used to seeing but went about his defensive duties with wholehearted effort.
Alex Pearce 6 – Unlucky to catch Riccardo Montolivo late with his trailing leg early on which resulted in a suspected broken leg for the midfielder. Made some timely interceptions in a decent performance.
John O’Shea 7 - The Ireland skipper marshalled the backline well with a number of solid tackles.
Stephen Ward 6 – Recovered from an early slip and went about his business well.
Aiden McGeady 6 -Showed nice touches at times and did excellently to create the Long chance but not as influential as we would all like him to be.
David Meyler 6 - Well-struck shot on target after 27 minutes tested Sirigu and never stopped closing down blue shirts throughout the 90 minutes.
Jeff Hendrick 7 – Super work rate from the Derby County man alongside Meyler and definitely a player who will bring something to the Irish midfield going forward.
Anthony Pilkington 8 - The Norwich winger impressed in his fourth senior appearance and showed Messi-like technique to evade several challenges. Drove a shot narrowly wide in the second half.
Wes Hoolahan 7 - Always looking to find an opening with his intelligent passing and put Long through early in the second half before being substituted.
Shane Long 5 - Really needs to be more clinical. Headed straight at Sirigu from McGeady’s cross, then couldn’t beat the keeper when put through by Hoolahan early in the second half.
Substitutes:
James McClean 6 – Lively on the left when introduced and created the chance of the match for Quinn with a strong run.
Stephen Quinn 5 - Had a golden opportunity to put Ireland 1-0 up after coming off the bench but smashed his strike off the crossbar.
Simon Cox 6 – Worked hard to find a winner in the latter stages of the game.
Paul Green – Not on long enough.