‘Impressive performance from an impressive young man’

Disappointed with the result and, especially, the concession of a goal from a set-piece he might have been but Martin O’Neill made no secret of the fact that a big consolation in defeat for Ireland in Turkey last night was the assured debut of Declan Rice in both defence and midfield.

“I thought he did excellently,” said the manager.

“He’s played left-side centre back for West Ham, and at this minute I think he’s getting accustomed to a number of positions which I think we talked about at start of week. I had no hesitation in putting him into the middle of the field.