Goals from Kevin Doyle and Alex Pearce gave Ireland a 2-0 win over Oman at a muted Aviva Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Robbie Brady was the standout player for Martin O'Neill's side, but what of his colleagues?
Ratings:
Shay Given – Great to see him back. Had nothing to do on his return to the ‘green’ jersey for the first time since Euro 2012. Replaced by Rob Elliott in the second half. 6.
David Meyler – Glorious technique to beat Al Habsi, but not the upright, after 36 minutes. He never stopped running and didn’t seem to tire in an unfamiliar right wing-back role. One of his better games for his country. 7.5.
Richard Keogh – With a somewhat muted Aviva Stadium failing to provide the greatest of atmospheres, Keogh could be heard barking orders to his team-mates in his first game as captain. Whole hearted, a possible first choice for the qualifiers. 7.
Alex Pearce – We didn’t notice him too much during the first, surely a good thing for a central defender. Same again the second half and he showed excellent composure to put Ireland 2-0 up ten minutes from time. 7.
Stephen Ward – Tidy enough. A bit rash in the tackle but put in a good shift. 6.
Anthony Pilkington – Marginalised for much of the game as Ireland’s best play went through Brady on the other side of the pitch. 5.
Darron Gibson – He looked a bit off the pace, which is to be expected given the amount of time has spent out of the game. Some wayward shooting is not usually the Gibson way, but if he stays fit he could become crucial. 5.
Stephen Quinn – Some nice touches from the former Sheffield United man, but he failed to impose himself on the match in any meaningful way. 6.
Robbie Brady – Excellent. The best crosser of the ball in Martin O’Neill’s squad, his balls into the box frequently tested Al Habsi and he looks like he’s getting back to his best after a tough spell out with injury. 8.
Wes Hoolahan – Given his late arrival on the international scene, it’s hard to believe that Hoolahan is already 32. The former Shels man didn’t have one of his better games and failed to impose himself before getting hooked. 5.
Kevin Doyle - One of his better games, the new Crystal Palace striker ran his socks off and took his header well. 7.
Subs:
Rob Elliott – A spectator. 5
Glenn Whelan – Replaced the labouring Gibson, added energy to the Irish midfield. 6.
Aiden McGeady – Had one glorious chance but chose to stroke the ball past Al Habsi when he should have throttled it. 5.
Shane Long – Very unlucky not to have got clear after he was fouled in the box, with the ref giving the free-kick to the visiting side. Looked bright. 6.
Robbie Keane – He was on the periphery after coming on in the second half. 5.
Daryl Murphy – Not on long enough to rate.
