Darren Randolph: Made one or two good saves and dealt with some testing Austrian balls into the box well. A calming influence throughout. 7
Seamus Coleman: Composed as ever in possession and made more than one important defensive block. 7
Shane Duffy: Silenced one or two critics with a commanding performance at the back, winning multiple headers and keeping the likes of Marko Arnautović and Marc Janko relatively quiet. 8
Ciaran Clark: Doesn’t always stand out or grab headlines, but his positioning was frequently excellent as he played a big part in Ireland earning a clean sheet. 8
Robbie Brady: Solid at the back and created Ireland’s best chance of the first half with an excellent cross. Loses a mark for a silly booking that means he’s suspended for the Wales game. 7
Glenn Whelan: Didn’t really get a chance to influence the game as he was taken off injured after 24 minutes. 6
Harry Arter: A typical battling performance, winning several tackles. Arter can be very pleased with his competitive debut. 8
Jeff Hendrick: Linked up the play well at times and carried the ball intelligently to run the clock down in the dying stages. 7
Wes Hoolahan: Showed some nice touches throughout and had a big hand in Ireland’s one big chance of the first half. As ever, not everything he tried came off, but Hoolahan did provide a lovely assist for the game’s defining moment. 8
James McClean: Got the vital goal with a clinical finish and ran his heart out as usual. 8
Jon Walters: Missed a big chance in the first half, but led the line well and worked tirelessly in the lone striker role. 7
Subs
David Meyler: Swept up everything in front of the back four superbly and showed great composure to set up the goal. 8
David McGoldrick: Wasn’t on long enough to have a significant influence, but did what he had to well. 6
Aiden McGeady: Showed some nice touches, but like McGoldrick, barely had time to impose himself on the game. 6
Manager
Martin O’Neill: His team selection was warranted as Ireland secured a famous victory, with the side growing stronger as the game developed. 9
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