Republic of Ireland player ratings -v- Iceland (March 28 2017)

On a night where not a lot of football was played by either side, and the ball spent longer in the air than either side would care to admit, there were few standout performances.

However there were several promising performances off the bench, while each of the four debutants acquitted themselves well.

Keiren Westwood: 6

The Sheffield Wednesday has waited a long time to impress under Martin O'Neill but he had few opportunities to do so tonight as the bulk of his work was limited to kicking goal kicks. He had no chance with Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson's sublime free kick and otherwise had no saves to make.

Cyrus Christie: 5

The Derby County full-back will see a lot more action in the absence of Seamus Coleman, but he hasn't looked quite right since recovering from a broken ankle sustained earlier this season. A familiar defensive shortcoming of rushing out to intercept was again apparent as Iceland exploited easy overlaps, but his long, flat throw-ins look like becoming a very useful assets.

John Egan: 6

The Brentford centre-half played most of the game with a bandage around his head after a clash of heads in the opening minutes. Not that it held him back from heading the ball, a task he takes to with Richard Dunne-like gusto. Was badly caught out by Kjartan Henry Finnbogason to concede the free kick that led to the winning goal, but an otherwise promising debut from the Corkman.

Alex Pearce: 6

The second Derby County defender in the starting line-up (a third, Richard Keogh, was an unused sub) had, like his partner Egan, a relatively easy time in defence as the Irish pair easily dominated the aerial battle with Finnbogason and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, and was tidy in possession when needed.

Robbie Brady: 7

Ireland's star player on the night was deployed at right back in order to allow Martin O'Neill to give gametime to Aiden McGeady and Jonny Hayes, but the Burnley man showed more in attack than the aforementioned pair and was solid in defence against the impressive Rurik Gislason. Ireland's captain for the night continues to grow in stature and could easily assume the role more often.

Aiden McGeady: 5

Ireland's most dangerous player in the early stages, McGeady has been in sparkling form for Preston since joining on loan and was perhaps unfortunate not to start against Wales. This wasn't a game for him as both sides were cautious and defensive, and Ireland's slow build-up meant he too often took the ball at a standing start.

Jeff Hendrick: 4

One of only two starters from the Wales match to make another appearance, Hendrick was selected to guide the debutant Conor Hourihane along, but the pair struggled to get going against the more dynamic Icelandic midfield. Another quiet outing for the Burnley midfielder.

Conor Hourihane: 5

It's been a big twelve months for the Corkman, from topping the football league stats charts and captaining Barnsley to promotion to earning a big move to Aston Villa, and he took his international debut in stride. Hourihane looked comfortable at this level and passed well, but he and Hendrick were nevertheless outplayed by their opposite numbers.

Jonny Hayes: 4

Hayes started the game slowly but became more confident towards the end of the first half, showing his pace on a number of occasions and an impressive work ethic, however his crossing wasn't to the same standard and he faded out before being outshone by his replacement Daryl Horgan.

James McClean: 5

The second survivor from the starting line-up on Friday night, McClean was deployed as a second striker, a position he has occupied in past friendlies, most notably scoring twice in a pre-Euro 2016 friendly with Slovakia. McClean had less joy this time, however. His workrate remains as admirable as ever, but he didn't act as an effective link between midfield and attack.

Kevin Doyle: 4

A lacklustre return to international football for the Colorado Rapids striker, who last featured for his country just over a year ago against Switzerland, as he struggled to impose himself on the game. Was caught needlessly offside twice in the first half to halt promising moves and the introduction of former Reading teammate Shane Long only further highlighted his underperformance.

Subs:

Daryl Horgan: 7

Introduced for Hayes just after the hour, the former Dundalk winger as a constant menace as, in contrast to Hayes, he offered a threat on the inside and outside and showed he can cross equally well off either foot.

Stephen Gleeson & Eunan O'Kane: 6

The Birmingham midfielder, earning his third cap nearly ten years after his second, was introduced alongside Eunan O'Kane and the pair were busy on the ball during their half-hour on the pitch.

Andy Boyle: 6

The Dubliner, who joined Preston North End from Dundalk alongside Horgan in December, looked a natural as he slotted in alongide Alex Pearce, winning his headers and passing the ball well.

Callum O'Dowda: 6

The Bristol City winger has impressed in each of his four cameos for Ireland to date, and this was no exception. If Horgan offered a trick and a threat out wide, O'Dowda was direct, and his driving infield run and shot was as close as Ireland came after the break.

Shane Long: 6

Introduced for McClean, Long made an instant impact as he did what neither the Derryman nor Doyle had done all night and won the ball on his own terms in the air, while his link play was also a step up from the previous 70 minutes.