KASEY McAteer’s dream full debut lit up the Aviva as the Republic of Ireland held African giants Senegal to a lively 1-1 draw in Dublin.
The Leicester City winger capped his first start with a well-taken goal midway through the first half.
While McAteer was the standout performer, there were solid showings throughout the side as Ireland matched one of the world’s in-form teams for much of the contest.
Caoimhín Kelleher, fresh off sealing a move to Brentford, impressed once again between the posts and had little chance with Ismaila Sarr’s late equaliser.
The match had bite, energy, and tension with Ireland’s defence holding firm until the closing stages.
Though there was frustration in conceding late, but the performance provided plenty of positives ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Luxembourg.
Here’s how the Boys in Green rated.
CAOIMHÍN KELLEHER 7
HAD a big week as he sorted his club future by joining Brentford and showed why he is now Ireland’s No. 1 when called upon to make a fingertip save to turn Krepin Diatta’s header onto the bar. Unlucky for the goal.
MATT DOHERTY 7
THE 33-year-old does not bomb up the wing as he used to but uses the ball brilliantly and was rock solid in defence whenever Senegal looked to attack down Ireland’s right flank.
NATHAN COLLINS 7
IT was a different game for Collins in green as he was rarely tested defensively. Had a hand in Kasey McAteer’s goal while his passing range was superb and had the Boys in Green on the front foot.
DARA O’SHEA 6
HAS Premier League and Serie A interest following Ipswich’s relegation. Showed his worth with some big passes out from the back but failed to cut out Iliman Ndiaye’s cross that led to Senegal’s equaliser.
ROBBIE BRADY 7
DISCIPLINED performance against the tricky Abdallah Sima but still got up the flank when required and worked well with Ryan Manning. Lovely cross that led to Kasey McAteer’s goal too.
WILL SMALLBONE 7
FIRST time back in the Ireland set-up since September due to injury. He provided some nice moments of creativity in midfield as well .as being a shooting threat from distance as he could have got a goal.
JASON KNIGHT 6
FILLED the Josh Cullen role rarely straying from his role in front of the back four as the rest of the midfield pushed on. Made some important interceptions.
KASEY McATEER 8
FIRST start and first goal for McAteer who was a livewire throughout. His namesake Jason had some big World Cup moments for Ireland and Kasey could be a key man if Ireland reach next year’s finals.
JACK TAYLOR 6
GOT his first start in an attacking midfield role and linked well with Kasey McAteer in particular. Had one early half chance that he almost got his head on one of his crosses but faded before being replaced.
RYAN MANNING 6
WORKED the left flank well and beat his man at times but was frustrated as his crosses were often cut out by the first defender. But looks to have nailed down a regular spot in Heimir Hallgrímsson’s rotation.
ADAM IDAH 6
SCORED the winner off the bench against Bulgaria and rewarded with his first Ireland start since September. Frustrating night for the Celtic man who needed better service from his wingers.
SUBS
EVAN FERGUSON (for Taylor 58 minutes) 6
KILLIAN PHILLIPS (for Doherty 67 mins) 6
JAKE O’BRIEN (for Manning 67 mins) 6
FESTY EBOSELE (for McAteer 81 mins) 6
ANDREW MORAN (for Smallbone 81 mins) 6
LIAM SCALES (for Brady 85 mins) 6
