Player ratings

Compiled by GAVIN CUMMISKEY

DAVID FORDE 4

Parried Ninis’s early shot but lacked authority and sloppy in his distribution. Couldn’t do much about the goal. Stopgap.

SÉAMUS COLEMAN 8

Following a proud line of excellent Irish fullbacks, he’s comfortable in possession, doubling as a dangerous winger after Brady’s exit.

JOHN O’SHEA 5

At fault for the Holebas goal. Some assured touches but as elder statesmen at the back we can’t but compare him to Richard Dunne.

CIÁRAN CLARK 6

Markedly superior centre-half to Darren O’Dea when it comes to positioning and tackling. Should be a permanent fixture.

STEPHEN WARD 3

Why continue with a failed project? Adds the bare minimum going forward and a constant worry when Greece counter-attacked.

ROBBIE BRADY 7

Quality. Beautiful touch off either foot, with a left peg that makes Ireland a feared team off set-pieces again. Hull City are blessed to have him.

GLENN WHELAN 4

Maybe injury was to blame for poor distribution before hobbling off. Remains a valued workhorse but place under serious threat.

JAMES McCARTHY 6

The hope is others must now battle to partner him. Clever and industrious, he gravitated towards like-minded souls in Coleman and Brady.

JAMES McCLEAN 5

Ward’s presence stunted his effectiveness but has been identified as a one-trick pony by international and Premier League full backs.

SIMON COX 5

Manager’s favourite, probably due to his endeavour because there’s no other reason for him to be so high up the pecking order.

SHANE LONG 7

Ireland have been missing out. Talent and passion, petulant at times, but wins near impossible balls. Must start against Sweden.

KEITH ANDREWS 6

His arrival on 32 minutes brought an improved agility to the midfield, significantly stemming the sloppy distribution by Whelan.

OTHER SUBS 5

Wes Hoolahan, visionary that he is, grew into the game despite less gifted players missing the opportunity to allow him be their playmaker.

Kevin Doyle struggled after coming on for Shane Long at half-time.

Andy Keogh, who replaced Simon Cox after an hour, was poor.

Sunderland’s David Meyler, who came on for McCarthy on 70 minutes, also didn’t make much of an impact.

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI 4

Inspired decision to launch Wes Hoolahan from four-year international exile at half-time. All his own idea, of course, and nothing to do with practically everyone screaming it.