Ireland twice came from behind to draw with the world's top side Belgium, coached by Roberto Martinez and Thierry Henry, at the Aviva Stadium on Friday. Here's how the Irish players rated:
Caoimhín Kelleher 6
The Liverpool keeper got his shot due to Gavin Bazunu’s illness and he was calm and composed between the sticks. He can’t be blamed for either goal - Batshuayi’s strike was masterful - and his range of passing forced Belgium to delay their press on the Irish back three.
Seamus Coleman 7
The captain was done by Batshuayi’s movement for the first goal and unlucky to see the second deflect in off his leg, but that doesn’t tell the story of a very composed performance from the captain, who has come under criticism at Everton but looked back to his best in an unfamiliar centre-back role.
Shane Duffy 7
Like his centre-half partners, Duffy struggled to cope with Batshuayi’s clever movement and control in the first half but he gradually got a grip on his task and the Besiktas striker’s declining impact in the second period had a lot to do with the Derryman’s positioning and alertness.
John Egan 7
Egan plays in the centre of a back three for Sheffield United but he seemed to relish his role in a more abrasive position on the left of the back three, and he made a number of interceptions in the Belgium half that kicked off Irish attacks.
Matt Doherty 6
The Swords native’s not quite the constant attacking presence he is in a Spurs shirt for Ireland just yet, but he played a key role in the late equaliser as he nipped in to win possession and find Chiedozie Ogbene on the touchline and was otherwise neat and tidy.
Josh Cullen 6
One of the tougher tests the Anderlecht midfielder has faced for Ireland against his host country and, despite being physically outmatched by his opposite numbers, he constantly showed for the ball and helped Ireland dominate for periods.
Jeff Hendrick 8
This is the Jeff Hendrick we were all so excited about at Euro 2016 when, coincidentally, Ireland were well beaten by Belgium. He has been reborn under Stephen Kenny, neat and tidy in the middle, with boundless energt and always looking to play that forward pass.
James McClean 6
McClean is a workhorse in the best meaning of the word and the biggest compliment to him was the withdrawal of his opposite number Alexis Saelemakers at half time. He lacked quality at times on the ball but he’s an essential member of this Ireland side at wing back.
Chiedozie Ogbene 9
What else can you say about this man? From Cork City to Rotherham United, via Limerick and Brentford, he has just raised his game to every challenge he’s faced. A superb overhead kick to level in the first half and a cross for Browne to do the same in the second. He can’t be left out of the side.
Jason Knight 5
A second Irish start for the Cabinteely man, who might join compatriot Festy Ebosele in the exit at Derby County in the summer due to the level of his performances. He was dogged and busy throughout tonight but was well-marshalled by Dedryck Boyata and co.
Callum Robinson 6
A run of six goals in four games for Ireland wasn’t added to tonight but the West Brom striker is a nuisance and it was his clever link-up play with McClean that led to Ogbene’s first-half goal. He may shift back to the wing on Adam Idah’s return but he continues to impress.
Subs:
Alan Browne 7
15 minutes from the bench in place of Hendrick and the equaliser to match is hard to argue with. Ireland needed that extra punch from midfield and he delivered.
Will Keane 5
Didn’t have an awful lot to do but his hair is nice.
Ryan Manning 6
Not hugely involved after replacing McClean but did himself no harm as he kept the Belgian wideman honest.
Troy Parrott N/A
Brought on for the last 30 seconds and that’s no basis to rate him on. Will get more of a chance against Lithuania.
