Republic of Ireland 1-0 Finland: Player ratings

The Republic of Ireland secured a 1-0 win over Finland in the Aviva Stadium.

A play-off to stay in the Nations League B awaits next March.

Ireland had to ride their luck at times. Here is how we rated the players.

Caoimhín Kelleher – 9

Had little to do in the game until the penalty kick despite Ireland being under a lot of pressure in the first half. Made one save from Kallman which was offside and saw the woodwork hit when he could do nothing to keep the ball out. The penalty save was superb and continues his excellent run for Ireland (with the second goal in Greece excluded). Firmly established as Ireland’s number one even when Gavin Bazunu does return. Awarded the player of the match, making four saves in total.

Matt Doherty – 6

Solid if unspectacular from Doherty who you could say proved a point that he can be a competent member of the Ireland squad and deserves his place. The back four did suffer at times in terms of keeping their shape. Ebosele was good again so perhaps Doherty’s day in a more attacking role are numbered, we may see him again at right-back given Seamus Coleman’s injury woes. The Wolves’ man header at the back post from a corner should have led to a goal, which would have been a fairytale return. He played a superb cross-field pass for a Mikey Johnston chance in the second half.

Nathan Collins – 8

A vital block to prevent Oliver Antman’s goal bound shot was arguably the turning point of the game in Ireland’s favour. Finland should have been ahead in that moment, Evan Ferguson would score moments later. The defence suffered from the two-man midfield playing too forward at times and allowing Finland to play through Ireland. Collins and his colleagues had a busy first half and managed to keep the Finns out. In the second half they relied on luck and last-ditch defending.

Liam Scales – 7

Tenacious in every tackle and exchange, his performance was summed up when he drifted into midfield to win a header that Josh Cullen could have dealt with and similar from a set-piece even Ferguson was rising to try to score. An old-fashioned defender who puts everything on the line to keep the ball out. At 26 he remains a work in progress but has turned into a vital member of the squad.

Callum O’Dowda – 6

A bad start with a late tackle that saw him booked after just four minutes, the Cardiff City man recovered well to be heavily involved in delivery balls into the box in the first half. Ireland need more left-sided players and he didn’t do himself any harm. Defensively there are still concerns but Heimir Hallgrimsson will be happy with what he saw.

Fetsy Ebosele – 7

The star discovery of the Hallgrimsson era so far, he followed up his breakthrough performance against the Finns by giving them another difficult night. His ability to run at players is not common within the squad and it’s clear he has added composure to his game from the Under-21 days. Strong and physical, his place in the team is secured for the next window. He may not feature on Sunday against England after hobbling off with injury in the 71st minute.

Josh Cullen – 5

Busy all night and perhaps he was asked to do too much at times. The two-man midfield would have been caught out against a better side and that will be one takeaway for the Irish manager. Unfortunately there is not a lot of options at his disposal. Cullen had two shots from distance which is not one of his strong attributes, they didn’t trouble the goalkeeper.

Jason Knight – 5

Picked up a yellow card which will see him miss the clash with England at Wembley. Knight certainly has talent but he does not impose himself on a game. Again criticism of him can be harsh as perhaps a more packed midfield would suit his game rather than two players up front. For now it isn’t enough and that is a good learning for the Ireland manager.

Mikey Johnston – 7

Johnston was lively in the first half and any time Ireland work the ball to his feet the game, he is a real livewire. End product will be how he is judged and he delivered with ball onto the head of Ferguson for the match-winning goal. His second half shot which was just wide was well-worked from a Doherty pass and inches wide. He twice gave away the ball close to his own box, one of which led to Finland hitting the post. It will be a balancing act for the Irish manager on how many of the attacking player he can use in games we have little of the ball.

Sammie Szmodics – 7

Another welcome addition to the squad in the last few windows. Unlucky when offside midway through the first half where he produced a great finish when rounding the goalkeeper. Opened up an angle to shoot to force Lukas Hradecky into a good save in the closing minutes. The manager can’t ask much more from the Ipswich Town striker.

Evan Ferguson – 7

Scored the goal and worked hard throughout. It was a real bonus to find the net given he has a battle at club level to play every weel. Rose between the two defenders to be in the right place to head home. His influence may not have been as strong as others but his role in the team is to come to life in the box and got the all important winner from four efforts.

Subs used on 76 minutes:

Finn Azaz – 6

Had a couple of moments in attack in his cameo role.

Dara O’Shea – 6

Deputised for Matt Doherty and had to endure a knock late on. If he is fit, he may come into contention for Sunday as he was nursing an injury.

Jayson Molumby – 6

Helped shore up midfield late in the game. He could have been given more time given the need when Ireland were under the cosh.

Subs used on 85 minutes:

Ryan Manning

Not enough time for rating

Tom Cannon

Not enough time for rating