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25th May 2014

Player ratings: Republic of Ireland 1-2 Turkey

Ireland's first summer international ended in defeat as Turkey ran out 2-1 winners at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

JOE

Ireland’s first summer international ended in defeat as Turkey ran out 2-1 winners at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

Ahmet Ozek put the visitors in the lead during a first half in which Ireland seemed to lack spark.

The home side improved after the break, with Tarik Camdal and Jon Walters trading fine strikes in quick succession, but Ireland were not able to find an equaliser.

Glenn Whelan dejected after conceding a second goal 25/5/2014

Here’s how the players rated…

Rob Elliot – Caught cold for Ilhan’s opener, but he probably couldn’t have foreseen such a powerful header from that distance. Had little else to do and no chance at all with Turkey’s second. 6.

Seamus Coleman – The best right-back in the Premier League last season, he had a poor game. Frequently lacked composure and had to rely on McGeady to help him out far too often. 4.

John O’Shea – Long balls forward. Check. Poor positioning. Check. Just generally a bit jaded looking. Check. 4.

Damien Delaney – Much the same as his central defensive partner, to be honest. 4.

Stephen Ward – Looked nervous, dragged out of position a lot, we really don’t know why he’s been brought back in. 4.

Marc Wilson – Played the role of reducer neither capably nor particularly badly. There was an urgency to his play that was lacking in Whelan beside him. 6.

Glenn Whelan – Desperate. 3.

Aiden McGeady – Showed some nice touches and McClean should have done better with a pinpoint cross in the first half. Ireland’s best player for much of the game. 7.

Wes Hoolahan – Overhit passes and a bit lost in the first half. He did have one headed effort but it was easily saved. Named as man of the match – which was a stretch – but did play a key role in Walters’ goal. 6.5.

James McClean – Should have tracked back as Turkey took the lead, but was unlucky not to score from a McGeady cross on 35 minutes. Ireland’s biggest threat in the second half despite some quiet spells. 7.

Shane Long – One effort saved in the early stages, last seen getting caught in a YouTube loop at the side of the pitch. Caught sight of him defending a Turkish corner in the second half and doing his absolute best to be wherever the ball wasn’t. 4.

Subs:

David Meyler – Did nothing of note.

Daryl Murphy – Did nothing of note.

Jon Walters – Immediately energised the crowd when he came on and showed the composure so lacking in some of his team-mates with his goal to make it 2-1. 7.

Stephen Quinn – Did nothing of note.