HOW THEY RATED
IRELAND
SHAY GIVEN
Only one save to make from a tame Levan Mchedlidze shot when the Georgian should have done far better. The 39-year-old’s distribution has been better.
SÉAMUS COLEMAN
Almost scored his first international goal with an improvised shot from the edge of the box and then toe-poked another effort straight at the keeper before the hour mark.
JOHN O’SHEA
Turned easily by Tornike Okriashvili but luckily was far enough from goal to recover. No glaring mistakes and had a handy second 45 minutes as he watched from the back.
CIARÁN CLARK
First competitive start at Aviva Stadium since the 2-2 draw with Austria in March 2013 and struggled for pace when Mchedlidze broke through early on.
ROBBIE BRADY
Nervy start with wayward pass in opening moments which put his side under pressure from a corner. Few decent set-pieces but Ireland were unable to make the most of them.
JEFF HENDRICK
Almost anonymous for 67 minutes. Then there was the nutmeg, the quick feet and slalom around Solomon Kvirkvelia to set up Walters for the all-important goal. That’s what O’Neill must see in him.
GLENN WHELAN
Committed all night and never hid as he tried to get on the ball. After his booking for dissent, he will be badly missed when Germany arrive to Aviva Stadium in October.
JAMES McCARTHY
Embodied the Ireland team for a lot of this game — lacking in confidence and ideas — although he was energetic throughout.
JON WALTERS
Came short, went long, ran here there and everywhere. He’d have picked up the milk from the shop if you asked him. And when it mattered, he was there to tap in the winner.
WES HOOLAHAN
As always, the diminutive playmaker wanted to get on the ball and make things happen. Didn’t get an assist or score but still looked Ireland’s most threatening creative force.
ROBBIE KEANE
Half chance early on with left foot and was barely in the game after that. Not the night for him to surpass or even equal Gerd Muller’s 68 international goal record. Subbed at half-time.
SUBS
SHANE LONG for KEANE (45): Provided more energy and options than Keane but had a similar impact on the game. 6 JAMES McCLEAN for HOOLAHAN (75): Silly booking with first involvement rules him out of Germany game. 5 MARTIN O’NEILL: Sent a team out for the first half which were passive, tepid and afraid to take the initiative. Things changed slightly after the break and the win was all important. As he has noted, it’s a results business. 6