David Forde — 6: A lonely night for the Ireland number one. Hardly involved bar a few backpasses and couldn’t be faulted for Shomko’s thumping opener.
Seamus Coleman — 6: More adventurous than Wilson on the opposite flank and for long stretches, the only wide outlet in a desperately narrow side. Has to take blame for panicked fresh air that led to Kazakh goal though.
John O’Shea — 8: At the heart of what was a solid defensive performance from the Irish back four. Capped the night with only his second international goal in 93 caps.
Richard Dunne — 7: Kept Kazakh chances to a minimum as Ireland controlled the game. A nuisance at corners, forcing Kislitsyn into soft penalty and then winning header that led to O’Shea goal.
Marc Wilson — 6: Lack of communication with Stokes in build-up to Kazakh goal and not his busiest night in defence otherwise. Very conservative in the first half but got forward more as game wore on.
Darron Gibson — 6: Commanded the game with McCarthy before bad knee injury forced him off in the 36th minute.
James McCarthy — 8: One of Ireland’s best. Wanted to be on the ball directing forward advances, and was just as determined with his pressing and defensive duties when needed.
Andy Reid — 8: Made the most of his first Irish cap since 2008. Easily the biggest threat in the Irish attack with clever link play but could have done with better support for most of the evening. Set piece deliveries led to first two goals. Substituted to standing ovation.
Anthony Stokes — 6: Asked to play out wide again. Was most involved after the break but seemed to lose vital momentum each time he turned back to his favoured right foot, much to the frustration of team-mates. Deserves credit for chasing lost cause in build-up to Ireland’s third.
Kevin Doyle — 6: Same tireless shift that he always puts in but didn’t contribute much otherwise. Kept drifting into middle which made Ireland’s lack of width more obvious.
Robbie Keane — 6: One of his quieter nights but seemed to enjoy playing with Reid in behind him. Scored international goal 61 with cool penalty and was in position to tap in 62 before Shomko robbed him.
Substitutes:
Glenn Whelan (for Gibson, 36’) — 6: Introduced much earlier than expected. Unspectacular but helped keep midfield platform solid.
Aiden McGeady (for Reid, 75’): Lively threat for the final 15 minutes, creating Ireland’s third and nearly a fourth. Could have done with his wide threat earlier.
Wes Hoolahan (for Stokes, 86’): Not on long enough to rate.
