Ireland vs. Bulgaria Player Ratings

Ireland vs Bulgaria Player Ratings

Darren Randolph: 7/10

Randolph was solid as usual and didn’t have to make any tough saves. He looked uncharacteristically shaky on the ball at times and could have cost us once or twice. With Mark Travers not playing much for his club and Bazunu as his only real competition of those who are getting club time, Randolph seems like a solid lock for the next year. However, he needs to find game time at the club level, whether that be somewhere besides West Ham permanently or on loan.

Shane Duffy: 6.5/10

Did well on the ball and made a good tackle at the back post to deny a sure goal for Bulgaria. Duffy has been lucky to avoid the injury and COVID list but still seems to remain a solid lock to start next March, given he’s playing well and often for Celtic.

Kevin Long: 6/10

Played a very similar match to Duffy, let very few chances occur and was alert to all he was faced with. Long has been unfortunate not to get any game time at the international level because of the strong partnership of Duffy and Egan but surely his performances will give Kenny something to think about come next March.

Ryan Manning: 4/10

To start off, hats off to Manning for finally getting his much deserved first cap for Ireland. Sadly, that seems to be where the good news ends. Manning looked poor in possession and struggled to get back a few times. Whether this is due to nerves or just a style that he isn’t used to, it was an underwhelming performance from a player who many had high hopes for. With Stevens and Doherty sure to be playing come March it will take a few good showings for QPR to get him into this position again.

Dara O’Shea: 6/10

Looked lively at times, especially towards the end of the game but didn’t show his full potential on the ball. Felt it took too long for him to start making those overlapping runs that fueled our attack in the last ten minutes. This may have been Kenny’s tactics and a fear to get caught out in a game where a draw would suffice but would have loved to see him getting up higher. Very bright future ahead for Dara as he’s playing Premier League football regularly at only 21.

Jason Knight: 7/10

Looked very energetic and willing to get involved and was a key piece of many attacks. Knight played a very good game in the middle and when he moved out wide to allow Byrne into the middle he seemed to play even better. He got up the pitch well and was a key figure in the chance for Maguire. Knight has a place in the squad for the next campaign in my eyes as he provides a real energy that seems to be lacking from the midfield at times.

Connor Hourihane: 5/10

Linked up well at times with Knight and Brady but seemed to disappear at times. With the talent we have all seen from him it’d be great to see him get on the ball more and create more opportunities for himself and others. With less and less time at Aston Villa the future doesn’t look amazing for Hourihane but hopefully he can work his way back into their squad.

Robbie Brady: 7/10

Came the closest to scoring with a great strike in the 68th minute that clanged off the crossbar. Other than that he created chances and put in a few very good balls from set pieces, as we’ve come to expect from him. At times he was sloppy in possession but played well with Knight as well as distributing the ball out wide. Brady is getting more time at Burnley so if that continues he should have a place in the squad come next March.

Daryl Horgan: 7.5/10

Looked as lively as anyone out there and after taking a knock in the first half stayed on and played well. Created a few good chances out on the right flank and was unfortunate not to have an assist on the cross to the back post. Horgan has been the surprise of this campaign and has impressed me and hopefully Stephen Kenny as well.

Ronan Curtis: 6/10

Many were excited to see Curtis in a green uniform tonight and there were glimpses of why. He played a decent game but at times looked very quick and dangerous. Would have liked to see him making more runs because of his pace and quickness, but he still found himself in the midst of most of our chances. Probably had our best chance and really expected more from a player of his caliber in that position. Hopefully he can continue to play well for Portsmouth and get another call-up next March.

James Collins: 6.5/10

Collins did well to get into position to create many chances. Sadly, most of these chances were merely half chances that would have required something special to put away. Collins showed exactly why he scores at a high rate for Luton Town as he was very involved and showed great hustle. Unlikely to see him starting another competitive game for a while with Idah clearly above him in Kenny’s pecking order. However, good play at club level could see another call-up for the Luton Town striker next March.

SUBS:

Josh Cullen: 7/10

Jack Byrne: 6.5/10

Troy Parrott: 7/10

Sean Maguire: 6/10

Cyrus Christie: 6/10