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The Ireland team line out ahead of tonight's match. John Walton

Player ratings: How the Boys in Green fared against Austria

Martin O’Neill’s side travelled to Vienna for a pivotal Group D clash this evening.

Darren Randolph: Made one or two good saves and dealt with some testing Austrian balls into the box well. A calming influence throughout. 7

Seamus Coleman: Composed as ever in possession and made more than one important defensive block. 7

Shane Duffy: Silenced one or two critics with a commanding performance at the back, winning multiple headers and keeping the likes of Marko Arnautović and Marc Janko relatively quiet. 8

Ciaran Clark: Doesn’t always stand out or grab headlines, but his positioning was frequently excellent as he played a big part in Ireland earning a clean sheet. 8

Robbie Brady: Solid at the back and created Ireland’s best chance of the first half with an excellent cross. Loses a mark for a silly booking that means he’s suspended for the Wales game. 7

Glenn Whelan: Didn’t really get a chance to influence the game as he was taken off injured after 24 minutes. 6

Harry Arter: A typical battling performance, winning several tackles. Arter can be very pleased with his competitive debut. 8

Jeff Hendrick: Linked up the play well at times and carried the ball intelligently to run the clock down in the dying stages. 7

Wes Hoolahan: Showed some nice touches throughout and had a big hand in Ireland’s one big chance of the first half. As ever, not everything he tried came off, but Hoolahan did provide a lovely assist for the game’s defining moment. 8

James McClean: Got the vital goal with a clinical finish and ran his heart out as usual. 8

Jon Walters: Missed a big chance in the first half, but led the line well and worked tirelessly in the lone striker role. 7

Subs

David Meyler: Swept up everything in front of the back four superbly and showed great composure to set up the goal. 8

David McGoldrick: Wasn’t on long enough to have a significant influence, but did what he had to well. 6

Aiden McGeady: Showed some nice touches, but like McGoldrick, barely had time to impose himself on the game. 6

Manager

Martin O’Neill: His team selection was warranted as Ireland secured a famous victory, with the side growing stronger as the game developed. 9

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Paul Fennessy
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