IRELAND RATINGS
DANIEL McDONNELL
DARREN RANDOLPH
The Bray native was outstanding, making a superb stop from Hal Robson-Kanu after the interval and then gathering every punt that came his way. He justified his retention as number one for the campaign.
SHANE DUFFY
Ireland’s man mountain was magnificent a year on from a sticky night in Moldova where his rawness was apparent. Wales played into his hands but he mopped it up and was namechecked by his manager in the aftermath.
HARRY ARTER
Spoke honestly beforehand about struggles in Georgia and he was better here after some early wobbles, playing his part in the goal with a delightful stepover and then running down the clock where possible until injury finished him.
JAMES McCLEAN
Chisinau, Vienna and Cardiff. In Ireland’s three away wins in this group, McClean has come up with the goods. There may always be silly fouls and rash decisions but they are worth it for that end product. And his superb fitness levels were required at the death.
CYRUS CHRISTIE
The Middlesbrough player was disciplined throughout and while he didn’t really get into attacking positions, he managed to retain his composure with a variety of different Welsh players sent his way.
STEPHEN WARD
One early shank suggested he was a bit frazzled but the Burnley player quickly recovered and, like the rest of the defenders, he was calm under fire throughout with Wales never able to get in behind him.
JEFF HENDRICK
Struggled against Austria in the number ten role in the summer and first half was no better, but Hendrick bounced back to show tenacity and determination to create McClean’s goal and then throw his body on the line for the remainder.
DARYL MURPHY
The veteran was dealt with a tough brief as he was isolated with Ireland struggling to get bodies forward because of Welsh pressure from the outset. But he’s a selfless performer and he gave Williams some hassle. He’s started in all of O’Neill’s big wins.
CIARAN CLARK
A couple of lapses in the first half and given an earful by his defensive partner for one error but he was otherwise solid and really grew into the task as Wales piled on the pressure.
DAVID MEYLER
If someone had suggested earlier this year that Meyler would captain Ireland to the win in Cardiff, their sanity would have been questioned. But that scenario came to pass and he was excellent in the defensive role in front of the back four.
ROBBIE BRADY
Mr Versatile was sent to the Jonny Walters role on the right here and he toiled in the early stages but he eventually settled and Ireland had some joy on his side. He can play better, but he was brave in the final quarter.
MARTIN O’NEILL
Whatever your view on O’Neill, the simple fact is that he’s delivered more big victories and memorable moments during his tenure than any of Ireland’s bosses since Mick McCarthy. The plan wasn’t pretty but it was effective. A play-off is an acceptable result.