Azerbaijan 0 Ireland 3: Irish player ratings

Eamon Donoghue runs the rule over Stephen Kenny’s Ireland side after win in Baku

1 Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth)

Fortunate at times, and not as varied with the ball at his feet as in previous games, but the young goalkeeper is such a confident presence and made some important saves. Rating: 7

22 Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City)

The Norwich centre back rushed in at times and was beaten to some important headers in the first half, but his pace and assuredness in and out of possession makes for a very balanced back three with Duffy and Egan. Rating: 7

4 Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Some sloppy moments aside, Duffy showed leadership from the back throughout and was a man mountain in the final half hour. Summed up by his last ditch block to deny a goal from the final attack. The big Derry man had two good chances to score also. Rating: 8

5 John Egan (Sheffield United)

None of the heroics of Duffy beside him but Egan made crucial interceptions stepping out of the back three, kept it simple on the ball and took a clever yellow card late on to stop a dangerous breakaway. He also played a key role in the second goal. Rating: 7

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2 Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur)

The Spurs wing back was unlucky not to have a goal and assist. His quality shone through coming in from the right wing and he made the hard yards back to make some important challenges and blocks. Rating: 8

6 Josh Cullen (Anderlecht)

The Anderlecht midfielder ran himself into the ground and was calm in possession, but moving forward the Irish midfield does need to take more of a grip on the game. Rating: 7

13 Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United)

He did his best to support the attackers, made some purposeful runs where he was unlucky with the final pass. Worked hard and is regaining his confidence. Rating: 7

11 James McClean (Wigan Athletic)

His goal chance in the second half summed his performance up, linking up with Callum Robinson he burst by two defenders into the box, before having his shot blocked when Adam Idah was wide open to his right. Tonight though he made up for the poor decision making with an excellent all round display down the left wing. Assisted the first goal. Rating: 8

7 Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion)

With so many questioning his personal decisions this week, there was no doubting his effort in the Irish jersey here. He pressed throughout, scored a brilliant goal, a lucky one, and could've had at least one more. The best attacking player on the pitch by a distance. Rating: 8

15 Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers)

The Galway winger was full of industry, and heavily involved, but after a few flicks early in the game went astray, he found it hard to find any rhythm. He provided the assist for the second goal but was replaced at half-time. Rating: 6

9 Adam Idah (Norwich City)

A solid hour's shift after suffering with illness coming into the match. Such a physical presence up top he threw in some lovely touches as well as leading the line selflessly. He could've had a goal too if his team mates' decision making was better. Rating: 7

Bench

Jamie McGrath came on at half time and added a bit more stability to the midfield, linking the play nicely on a number of occasions. Chiedozie Ogbene got the goal his endeavour deserved, always looking to make an impact he looks a promising addition. Rating: 7

Manager

Job done, a comfortable win and clean sheet. He backed Robinson after a difficult week for the West Brom striker and his players worked their socks off for him. The team will take massive confidence from a first competitive win with Stephen Kenny at the helm. Rating: 8

Eamon Donoghue

Eamon Donoghue

Eamon Donoghue is a former Irish Times journalist