The Irish Players – How They Rated

One of the most impressive aspects of Ireland’s performance in the Euro 2016 tournament was the team spirit and commitment – individual and collective – that the players showed. But there was also a decent amount of very good football played, countering the oft-expressed view that “we just don’t have the players.”

That was particularly true during the first 45 minutes against France, which was among the best performances ever by an Irish team. Sadly, the wheels came off the wagon in a second half when inexperience showed – and tiredness took its toll. But it was, in many ways, still a performance to remember...

8. Darren Randolph
His distribution was generally good and his positioning in the first half in particular was excellent. There was very little he could do about either of the French goals. A good end for him, to a tournament that will have done his reputation no harm at all. Will be be happy playing second fiddle West Ham next year?

7.5. Seamus Coleman.
Did his job well throughout and was clearly the best Irish defender on view. Did well going forward too on occasion. Was a good captain, driving the Irish players on. Might he have done better for the second French goal? He was a further away from the central defenders than was ideal. But it’d be harsh to throw any blame in his direction…

5. Shane Duffy
Had a decent first half, but it turned into a bit of a ‘mare for the Derry stopper. He can be exonerated from fault for the first goal, but he needn’t have committed himself for the second. And he was caught by Giroud’s through ball for Griezmann, which resulted in the lunge that earned him his marching orders. A player with a lot of good qualities, hopefully he will have learned from the experience.

6. Richard Keogh
It would be harsh to lay the blame for the first goal entirely at his door, but he lost Griezmann in the build-up. It was a big call, by Martin O’Neill, creating a new central defensive partnership during the tournament, and it may have been his only serious mistake. But Keogh is a good, strong, intelligent player who might have had better luck on a different day.

6. Stephen Ward
His break forward and cross led to the penalty, from which Robbie Brady put Ireland ahead. He also had one brilliant block as the Irish players put their bodies on the line to prevent an equaliser just before half-time. Though he tired in the second half, it was a decent performance from the Burnley man, who enhanced his reputation using the tournament.

7. Jeff Hendrick
He was one of our best players throughout – and looked it again yesterday. Was instrumental in the break which saw Lloris get a brilliant touch to deny Shane Long at the back post. Was confident on the ball and tough in the tackle. Took a fair bit of punishment but lasted the pace better than most. Coaches all over Europe have been alerted to his qualities.

7. James McCarthy
Had one of his best games for Ireland. He was superb in the first half, closing people down, putting in challenges and minding the ball well when he had it. Made some lovely passes too, suggesting that he could yet mature into one of the great Irish midfielders, to rank alongside Giles, Brady, Whelan and Keane. Communicating just a little bit better might take all the difference.

7. Robbie Brady
It took bottle to step up to take the Irish penalty after just two minutes – but he stuck it away superbly. Was one of the Irish players who looked most comfortable on the ball and carried it well. Not quite as effective as against Italy but he had a decent game – and is certainly one of the future leaders, as we prepare for the World Cup.

8. Shane Long
His pace is a huge asset – and contributed to winning the penalty, which Robbie Brady converted. Once again, he took a huge amount of punishment, but he kept working till the death, tracking back and doing his bit for the cause. Unlucky not to get a real scoring opportunity, but here – and throughout the tournament – his contribution was immense.

6. Daryl Murphy
Not as dominant as against Italy, he still got on the end of things and held the ball up well. Was instrumental in the build-up to the penalty and would have got his first international goal if James McClean had played his in when it was 2-1 for France. There was also a lovely back-heeling the best Irish move of the game. Looked tired by the time he was substituted, but he enhanced hs reputation in France.

6.5. James McClean
Hugely determined, he’s have crashed through a brick wall to win. Generally did well and almost created a goal when he burst past Rami, but couldn’t find the perfect ball. Gave the ball away in the build-up to the second goal. A pity that he had to be sacrificed to bring JohnO’Shea on, as he’s have kept going to the bitter end.

SUBSTITUTES

6. Jon Walters
Still looked a little bit less than 100% fit – though in fairness it turned into a lost cause one minute after he came on, when Shane Duffy was sent off. Got one decent shot away, but overall you have to feel that injury blighted what should have been his tournament.

7. John O’Shea
Steadied a creaking ship when he came on and generally looked like a man who knows what he’d doing. Might things have been different if he had been in there to organise the defence from the start? We will never know…

6. Wes Hoolahan
Got on the ball well after he came on, ut tried to do too much on his own. Lost [ossession a couple of times when there was simple balls on. It is a shame that tis opportunity came so late in his career. Hopefully he will continue to play at a level that is high enough for his talent – and he can add his quality to the mix available to Ireland for a little while yet…

7. Martin O’Neill
Did he pick the right team? There is an argument that pairing Duffy and Keogh was offering a hostage to fortune – and that we came unstuck as a result. On the other hand, you could see how unified the team were anyhow he had them believing in their potential in a way that never happened – and never would have happened – under Trapattoni. Has made us look like contenders again.

7. Roy Keane
No one, I’m sure, hated losing more than Roy Keane. There is a great shot of him jumping a few feet off the ground when Robbie Brady scored from the penalty. That he cares deeply about this Irish team is not in any doubt. A great presence to have around the place, hopefully he can further contribute to the development of McCarthy, Hendrick and Brady, as we attempt to plot our way through the World Cup group...