Ireland v Belgium player ratings: How Boys in Green fared in John O'Shea's first game

The hosts earned a creditable draw against the Red Devils. 

Sammie Szmodics of Republic of Ireland and Republic of Ireland goalkeeping coach Rene Gilmartin. Pic:  Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Caoimhin Kelleher Unconvincing early moment with the ball at his feet and spilled a Lois Openda half volley before smothering the loose ball. But he impressed by getting down low and left to keep out Thomas Meunier’s low shot and a clean sheet is certainly not to be sniffed at. 6 

Andrew Omobamidele Right-sided centre back did not stand out - which is no bad thing in the circumstances. Needs to continue featuring for Nottingham Forest after an inactive opening to the season. 6 

Nathan Collins Climbed well to win the header that led to the penalty and considering how difficult he has been finding life at Brentford in recent months this was a far more assured defensive showing. 6 

Dara O'Shea Displayed one impressive moment of calmness when being pressed early on and forced the spot kick by volleying into the hand of Arthur Vermeeren. 6 

Seamus Coleman Faced two Premier League title-chasing forwards and came out unscathed. Dealt with Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard without much sweat in the first half. Worked a bit harder against Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku in the second period but was all over him like a rash. 7 

Will Smallbone Made an early stray pass that placed Ireland’s defence under pressure, except he worked diligently off the ball and provided a couple of nice set piece deliveries. It will be interesting to see if he can develop a partnership with Josh Cullen going forward. 6 

Josh Cullen Did really well. Proactive passing and shielded defence well. During the Stephen Kenny era it was easy to criticise Cullen for his tendency to play sideways too often and there were some clearer signs of forward-thinking here. 7 

Robbie Brady Might have been disappointed not to have been on penalty duty but delivered a sumptuous cross to tee up Ferguson immediately after the break. Then sent a mishit free kick over the bar when it was meant to have been a cross - but he could easily blame the swirling wind. Good performance. 7 

Chiedozie Ogbene Watched an excellent early opportunity fly into the side-netting and used his pace effectively on a couple of occasions, drawing one notably cynical foul from Aster Vrancx in the second period. Substituted with 20 to play. 6 

Sammie Szmodics Debutant and top scorer in England’s Championship was involved from the outset when providing a smart through ball to set up Ogbene. He went on to force a save from Matz Sels when getting in behind nearing the interval and had a snapshot blocked from the edge of the area with just under an hour on the clock. 7 

Evan Ferguson Decent hold-up play and won a couple of aerial duels but his penalty, sent low and straight at Sels, was poorly taken. Directed a towering header narrowly over after rising high to meet Brady’s ball. Teenager badly needs a goal to boost his low confidence. 5 

Substitutes 

Adam Idah (for Ferguson, 70) In-form Celtic striker did not have any sight of goal but did well to win a corner. 5 

Mikey Johnston (for Szmodics, 70) Another in good nick for his club and had one tidy dribble late on. 5 

Jason Knight (for Ogbene, 70) Not heavily involved. 5 Matt Doherty (for Brady, 81) n/a 

Festy Ebosele (for Smallbone, 86) n/a 

Not used: Gavin Bazunu, Mark Travers, Ryan Manning, Callum O'Dowda, Mark Sykes, Michael Obafemi, Jake O'Brien, Finn Azaz.