Ireland 4 USA 1
23 Shay Given 7/10
Aston Villa
One early tip away, vital 80th minute save and spread himself for Chris Wondolowski’s chance to re-enforce his comfort blanket value within the squad.
6 Cyrus Christie 6/10
Derby County
Encouraging alternative to Seamus Coleman despite being statuesque for US goal when he should've covered in behind Clark. That aside, showed enough quality touches to warrant further investment.
20 Alex Pearce 7/10
Reading
Looked a genuine alternative at centre half. Nicked Alejandro Bedoya’s 20th minute cross off Jozy Altidore’s head, saving what looked a certain USA goal. Plenty to admire in the physical stakes.
5 Ciaran Clark 7/10
Aston Villa
Perhaps too similar in style to form a centre back partnership with John O’Shea but decent reader of the game and an instant starter if he could add Richard Keogh’s grit.
17 Robbie Brady 9/10
Hull City
Two beautiful goals. Hardly a defensive novice, having played fullback for Manchester United, making last night’s experiment a success simply because his left foot needs to be on the pitch whenever possible.
13 Anthony Pilkington 7/10
Cardiff City
Clever run and lovely dinking finish for his first international goal.
Not a threat to James McClean or Aiden McGeady but decent showing.
12 David Myler (capt) 6/10
Hull City
Expected to fill in at fullback again but started in his preferred midfield slot where he tackled all night long. Coughed up possession leading to Mix Diskerud’s goal.
18 Stephen Quinn 7/10
Hull City
Didn't go through the back of anyone last night. Got on plenty of ball and passed it neatly but the pace and intensity was nothing like Celtic Park so a like for like comparison to Jeff Hendrick isn't feasible.
14 Anthony Stokes 5/10
Celtic
Out on the left, forming a partnership that allowed Brady rush past while he drifted inside. Sound idea that never really worked until, that is, McClean relieved him.
21 David McGoldrick 7/10
Ipswich Town
Impressive start for the latest recruit with an Irish grandmother, sliding a nicely weighted pass for Pilkington’s goal. Surely Ireland won’t ever practice the false nine philosophy but he fits that bill.
10 Daryl Murphy 6/10
Ipswich Town
Missed a good chance on 26 minutes having combined well with McGoldrick. Lateral run pulled the American defence out of position for Pilkington’s goal.
Subs 7/10
The arrival of Aiden McGeady, James McClean and Shane Long meant Ireland immediately forced America to tighten their defensive alignment.
Coach 7/10
Fullback experiments worked, midfield pair were almost solid and the aforementioned subs showed the manager’s desire to get a result.
