Ireland ratings: Szmodics and Ferguson blossom but cool Kelleher saves the blushes

How they rated: Doherty's surprises recall leads to a solid outing as Mikey Johnston again catches the eye

SOLID SHOWING: Republic of Ireland's Sammie Szmodics (left) attempts a shot on goal during the UEFA Nations League Group B2 match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Caoimhin Kelleher Saved by his upright in the first half and had little to do between Ireland leading and Joel Pohjanpalo’s penalty. But the Liverpool keeper did brilliantly to keep that strike out one-handed before smothering the rebound. 7 

Matt Doherty A surprise recall to the squad and, because of injuries rather than a change of heart, the Wolves man immediately returned to the starting XI. Solid enough defensively but offered up a poor attempt with a header after arriving unmarked at the back post from a corner. 6 

Nathan Collins Good last-ditch block to divert Oliver Antman’s shot on to the upright moments before Ireland broke the deadlock and there were no dawdling moments when in possession. 6 

Liam Scales Got in the way of a Kaan Kairinen attempt that was at least on target and caused a mild nuisance on a couple of occasions from attacking set pieces. No glaring missteps on an overall solid night but passing could sometimes have been crisper. 6 

Callum O'Dowda Booked inside three minutes after tripping Robin Lod and lacked the attacking industry of Robbie Brady, whom he replaced on the left side of defence. 6 

Festy Ebosele Embarked on a first burst forward midway through the half but delivery was cut out and he was not permitted very much space to hit top speed throughout a mediocre evening on the right flank. Substituted with 15 to play. 5
Josh Cullen The Burnley midfielder had more touches of the ball than any other Ireland player and he did a good job at setting the tempo. Still needs to show he can manage the game against better opposition. 6 

Jason Knight Yellow carded a touch harshly following a challenge on Glen Kamara and shot well over from range 20 minutes in. Less involved than Cullen but he was steady throughout. 6 

Mikey Johnston Gave up the ball for Lod’s opportunity that came off the post but showed plenty of trickery before producing the cross for Evan Ferguson’s goal. He then came close to doubling the advantage when cutting in before shooting narrowly wide on the hour mark. 7 

Sammie Szmodics Bags of energy once again. Found the net from a tight angle after latching on to a through ball, showing good composure, but he was rightly called offside. Stinging shot saved Lukas Hradecky approaching the break and went close with another late attempt. 7 

Evan Ferguson Rose high to nod in his first Ireland goal for 13 months and created a couple of good chances for Sammie Szmodics as their strike partnership appeared to blossom. But the Brighton striker will have been hugely disappointed with an unfortunate handball that led to Finland’s penalty - and grateful that Kelleher saved it. 7 

Substitutes: Dara O’Shea (for Doherty, 76), Finn Azaz (for Ebosele, 76), Jayson Molumby (for Ferguson, 76), Ryan Manning (for Johnston, 85), Tom Cannon (for Szmodics, 85): none were on long enough to be rated.

Not used: Max O'Leary, Mark Travers, Troy Parrott, Jake O'Brien, Andrew Moran, Kasey McAteer, Mark McGuinness.