Republic of Ireland 0 Portugal 0: How the Irish players rated

Malachy Clerkin runs the rule over Stephen Kenny’s side after the draw against Portugal

Ireland’s Josh Cullen in action against Portugal’s  Bruno Fernandes. Photograph:  Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images
Ireland’s Josh Cullen in action against Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images

Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth)

Had pleasingly little to do. Made one save from a shot that was going wide but most of his work was done with his feet and he was in command of pretty much all of it. Rating: 7

Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur)

Another night where he made a nonsense of the idea that he and Coleman can't play in the same team. Frequently thundered down the right and kept Dalot turning and twisting. Rating: 7

John Egan (Sheffield United)

Seemed to thoroughly enjoy his night on Andre Silva. Hardy in the tackle, supreme in the air, relaxed at all times. Rating: 8

Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion)

Loving life at the heart of the defence. Strode forward to join in at times, full of intent and sure-footed distribution – who saw that for him six months ago? Rating: 7

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Séamus Coleman (Everton)

Pulled off a brilliant lunging block on Ronaldo in the first half to save a certain goal. Typically unflustered any time he got on the ball. Ronaldo ran him a couple of times but got no change. Rating: 7

Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)

Caught in possession a couple of times but steady in defence. Stole forward unnoticed with 15 to go for what would have been one of the great Irish goals had he managed to keep it down. Rating: 6

Josh Cullen (Anderlecht)

Easy to see why he plays every minute. Gave Doherty, Stevens and Hendrick licence to try things, while not giving Bruno Fernandes a sniff. Couldn't sort his feet out for a second-half snapshot. Rating: 8

Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United)

A decent night at the heart of the midfield, full of confidence and demands for the ball in tight spaces. But so nearly ruined it all with a brainless free-kick that nearly led to a Ronaldo goal on the break. Rating: 6

Jamie McGrath (St Mirren)

Struggled to get into the game, as so much of the play went down the opposite flank. Pressed well to help pen the Portugal defence in at times but departed on the hour mark. Rating: 5

Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United)

Grew into it after looking a little lost early on. Headed a half-chance high and wide just before the break. Indefatigable in the second half – Danilo will happily live his life without seeing him again. Rating: 8

Pepe fouls Ireland’s Callum Robinson leading to a second yellow card and a sending off for the Portugal defender. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho
Pepe fouls Ireland’s Callum Robinson leading to a second yellow card and a sending off for the Portugal defender. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho

Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion)

Lively and willing and didn't give the Portuguese backline a minute's peace. A couple of potshots were the sum total of his threat on goal. Did his best work outside the box. Rating: 8

Substitutes

Adam Idah held up the ball cleverly as the point of the spear. James McClean gave the ball away too much, Conor Hourihane and Will Keane didn't really get on enough ball to make a difference. Rating: 6

Stephen Kenny

This is so recognisably his team, playing his way. They've lost one game in the last nine and have a chance to redeem that on Sunday. Portugal didn't make much of a shape, it's true. But this is a world away from losing to Luxembourg. Rating: 7