Darren Randolph: Arguably could have done better for the goal. Didn’t have a lot to do otherwise. 6
Cyrus Christie: Got forward often down the right, but his final delivery was disappointing all too often. 5
Shane Duffy: Made one or two good blocks and couldn’t do a lot about the goal. 7
Ciaran Clark: Wasn’t overly busy at the back, but did what he had to well. 7
Stephen Ward: Defended well and made a good few tackles, but didn’t offer much threat going forward. 6
David Meyler: The absence of Glenn Whelan and Harry Arter wasn’t missed, as Meyler performed the holding role with aplomb, breaking up play on a number of occasions. A deserved man-of-the-match. 7
Robbie Brady: Had one or two clever moments and incisive passes, particularly in the first half, but his impact dwindled as the game developed and his set pieces were disappointing. 6
Wes Hoolahan: His influence was apparent as Ireland passed the ball much better than against Georgia. Hoolahan’s creativity was missed after he was replaced around the hour mark. 7
James McClean: Ran his heart out as usual and made some great tackles and bursts forward, though he was guilty of poor end product like other Irish players. 6
Jon Walters: Provided Ireland with some much-needed presence up front, but ultimately couldn’t find the necessary goal, while his lack of pace was exposed for Serbia’s winner. 6
Shane Long: Caused problems with his pace, but ultimately lacked the quality to seriously punish Serbia in attack. 5
Subs: Daryl Murphy added further threat with his aerial ability and made the break that resulted in Serbia’s sending off, though Callum O’Dowda and Conor Hourihane didn’t really have enough time to stamp their influence on the game. 6
Martin O’Neill: Some will quibble with his decision to take Hoolahan off early, though he at least picked a more adventurous team than Saturday, and despite the disappointing result, there is no doubt it was an improved display from Ireland. 6
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