Republic of Ireland

How they performed by CARL O'MALLEY

Kieren Westwood

The Sunderland goalkeeper had less to do than his counterpart at the other end but performed well when called upon and produced one outstanding save from a Miralem Pjanic free-kick in the second half.

6/10

Paul McShane

He’s on the plane but not in the squad, though he did his hopes no harm. Full of energy, got up the line well, but looked a bit frantic at the back. Fortunate, perhaps, not to concede a penalty for handball in the first half.

6/10

Richard Dunne

Proved again how indispensible he is. There were a handful of timely challenges in the first half, a marauding run in the second when his side needed impetus. A calming influence in an unfamiliar back four.

8/10

Darren O'Dea

As was the case in Moscow, O’Dea made good use of his chance on the pitch and was generally solid, though a needless foul on Vedad Ibisevic led to a free that forced Westwood into his best save of the night.

6/10

Stephen Ward

Worked well in tandem with James McClean in the first half, especially, and was energetic going forward. Exposed a little at the back, before the break, while a weak tackle on Stevanovic led to clear chance for Bosnia.

6/10

Damien Duff

Had a lively 45 minutes before being replaced by McGeady. Shot narrowly wide after cutting inside from the right and was unlucky to be closed down after great move in tandem with Keane. Crosses need less air, perhaps.

6/10

Darron Gibson

Talked up by his manager after the game. Took his chance by showing his range of passing and was always strong in the tackle. Might have done better with a shot in the first half, given his prowess in such situations.

7/10

Glenn Whelan

Had just 45 minutes to get back into the swing of things. Looked as energetic as ever, closed down well and was unlucky not to win a penalty from his clubmate Begovic, after a rare foray into the opposition box.

6/10

James McClean

Showed no fear on his first start and almost always chose the right option for the first hour. Tired after that, thanks to plenty of effort in attack and defence. Proved he was a viable option on either flank in Poland.

7/10

Robbie Keane

Showed busy leadership and the occasional sublime touch, like the one that set up Duff, but didn’t exert the influence he is capable of. Understandable, perhaps, given his recent concern over a niggling hamstring strain.

6/10

Kevin Doyle

Played the role of target man reasonably well on his return to international football and provided a good knock down for McGeady to hit the post, but didn’t quite cause the problems his replacement Walters did.

6/10

SUBSTITUTES

Keith Andrews

Came on in the second half and contributed to increase in pace from the homeside with more control in midfield. He got into shooting range once or twice and his pass for McGeady in the run up to the goal was perfect.

7/10

Aiden McGeady

Whether stung or not by criticism of his consistency, he emerged from the bench on a mission and delivered a stunning 45 minutes. Popped up everywhere, passed crisply, hit the post on the stretch and set up the winner.

9/10

Jonathan Walters

Unsettled the opposition, especially young Pjanic, with his intensity in attack and defence. Going forward he offered a target and linked up well but his finishing let him down when he hit the crossbar and was denied by Begovic.

7/10

Shane Long

Would have had two goals had it not been for a great save from Begovic. Also linked up well with Walters and McGeady in build up play. Proved he is most in form goalscorer of the group with his winner. Clearly confident.

8/10

Stephen Kelly

Must have been disappointed not to start ahead of McShane, despite being fit. Had only 12 minutes to impress, had little to do other than ease himself back in but he did that and will look forward to Hungary on June 4th.

4/10

Sean St Ledger

Another who had a short spell to impress but he did. Calm in defence twice when cutting out Dzeko and then stepping over a shot that was going wide. In attack, he rose well to meet a cross and sent his header close.

5/10

Giovanni Trappatoni

Brave enough to change his mind when in doubt over starting St Ledger. No injury to Dunne suggests right call there. Good to give Gibson 90 minutes but might have found space for Hunt to rest a tired McClean. A good send off.

8/10