Opening night reviews are in: how Ireland's rescue act rated against Hungary

Keeper Caoimhín Kelleher and wide man Ryan Manning performed best on a difficult first World Cup qualifier. In the end, a rescued point was more than welcome

CLOSE THING: Ireland's Ryan Manning shows his frustration but his overall performance and role in Ireland's recovery made him the Republid's standout player on the night of their opening World Cup 2026 qualifier against Hungary at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Caoimhin Kelleher - Nowhere near either goal, both of which were finished well, and should feel aggrieved by the collective lack of concentration in front of him. Got down really well to deny the Hungarians a third before the break, and got in the way of two more efforts that could have made it 3-1 to the visitors. Man of the match contender. 7

Jake O’Brien - Forceful forward play to send in a threatening cross early on and flung in a series of long throws that gave minor cause for concern during the horrendous opening 45 minutes. The Everton player has made the right back spot his own — though he permitted too many crosses to be sent in. His own deliver, mind, looks a potential weapon for the Republic. 6