DRAGONS ARE UP FOR THE FIGHT

Rambo happy with scrappy draw as reckless McClean sees red for the Republic

point, we’ll take it. Ireland press a lot more now so we had to try to adapt to that.

“But we have stuck in there and got that point.”

S ho t - s h y Ireland have now just scored just two goals in their last seven games.

The Covid test made it a n i g h tma r e scenario for boss Stephen Kenny, who is still searching for his first win. And it badly hit his hopes of bouncing back from the heart breaking defeat on penalties to Slovakia in Thursday’s Euro 2020 play- off semi- final. Wales, at least, produced an improved defensive showing after their midweek 3- 0 friendly loss to England.

And they did create a chance in the 27th minute, when Harry W i l s on e xchanged passes with Ram se y before curling a left- foot shot from the top of the box which keeper Darren Randolph pushed behind.

Wales also looked to have a very strong claim for a penalty soon after when Randolph came rushing out of his goal, dropped the ball and clattered Ampadu afterwards. But Ireland escaped as there was no VAR to review the decision and somehow they actually were awarded the foul in their favour.

The hosts took the lead when Robbie Brady should have at least hit the target after he put a left-foot shot wide after Wilson gave the ball away. Republic substitute Cyrus Christie went even closer with a fierce shot before the break.

After the restart, Ireland blew a glorious chance to break the deadlock as Shane then nearly

Long headed Enda Stevens’ cross over. Ramsey then had a left- foot shot def lected over for the visitors at the other end.

In a scrappy match, Ireland were the stronger side, as sub Daryl Horgan had a header blocked and then blasted the rebound over.

The hosts’ dominance was halted by a second yellow card for McClean in the 83rd minute for two reckless challenges in quick succession.

But Wales failed to make their numerical advantage pay off as they looked content with a point.