IRELAND RATINGS

By Mark Gallagher Marks out of 10

CAOIMHÍN KELLEHER 7

Couldn’t do a whole lot about Batshuayi’s strike and deflection beat him for the second goal. Looked fairly comfortable for the rest of game.

SEAMUS COLEMAN 7

Allowed Batshuayi space to shoot for his goal. Created an early chance in second half with a foray forward. Could do little about deflection that diverted Vanaken’s header into net.

SHANE DUFFY 7

Solid. His presence in the penalty area unnerved the Belgian defenders before Ogbene’s goal and was his usual dominant self in the air.

JOHN EGAN 8

Excellent. Provided leadership when his team badly needed it, setting the tone for change in momentum that led to Ogbene’s goal. Defended brilliantly.

MATT DOHERTY 7

Hard to get involved in attacking sense for much of game as most of what Belgium did well came down his flank. His clever ball to Ogbene started the move for Ireland’s late equaliser.

JOSH CULLEN 7

A calm and clever presence at the base of Ireland’s midfield, as usual. Always looks for the ball and comfortable in possession. Key cog for Kenny.

JEFF HENDRICK 6

Showed a few glimpses of his earlier self in an Ireland shirt, one wonderfully incisive pass that released Jason Knight. Has improved under Kenny

JAMES McCLEAN 6

Will never lack for endeavour or commitment, but a few too many Ireland attacks fizzled out due to a lack of precision with his delivery leaving a lot to be desired.

JASON KNIGHT 7

Was promising in patches, bringing energy to the final third and always looking for openings in the Belgian defence. Replaced with 15 minutes to go.

CHIEDOZIE OGBENE 9

Fantastic goal and also had confidence to nutmeg Tielemans at one point in first half. Crossed for Browne’s equaliser. Unlikely to be playing in League One for much longer.

CALLUM ROBINSON 8

Lively presence throughout. Put in the cross for Ogbene’s first-half goal, and his turn and shot in the 62nd minute probably deserved a goal.

SUBS 8

Stephen Kenny waited until the 75th minute to make changes, but they had an impact, especially Alan Browne who rescued a draw with a brilliant header and Will Keane who looked lively and may have been awarded a penalty when he seemed to be brought down in the box