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Ireland's starting XI. Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Here's how we think the Boys in Green rated in tonight's World Cup qualifier

Ireland pulled off a 1-0 win over Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Darren Randolph 9 - Superb. Called into action early on to tip over from an Aaron Ramsey effort and kept Ireland in it throughout.

Cyrus Christie 7 - Ireland’s backline defended brilliantly as a unit and Christie played his part in keeping the clean sheet.

Shane Duffy 8 – Duffy defended like his life depended on it with countless headed clearances and interceptions. An aerial threat from set-pieces too.

Ciaran Clark 7 - The Newcastle United man was extremely solid alongside his defensive partner for the 90-plus minutes.

Stephen Ward 7 - A really good defensive display from the Dubliner, who made a couple of timely tackles when needed.

David Meyler 7 - Captained the team again on the night and put his body on the line to get blocks in and disrupt Wales’ play.

Harry Arter 7 – Full of energy and ran himself into the ground, without getting on the ball as much as he would have liked. Beautiful step-over for the goal.

Jeff Hendrick 7 - Poor in the first half, but did brilliantly for the goal by winning the ball back and putting in the cross for McClean’s winner.

Robbie Brady 7 – Had a shot on target at the end of the half but was quiet in the first 45 with the exception of set-piece deliveries. Came into the game more after the break.

James McClean 8 - Wasn’t having the best of games when he clinically rifled home the only goal of the game early in the second half. What a hit.

Daryl Murphy 7 - Cut an isolated figure up front on his own and got little joy out of the two Welsh centre-halves but battled on until his substitution on 90 minutes.

Substitutes

Glenn Whelan 6 – Brought on for Arter for the final minutes to break up play and got stuck in upon introduction.

Kevin Long – Wasn’t on long enough.

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Ben Blake
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