Broke out of defence on a number of occasions to start attacks and his aggressive defending broke up plenty of Qatar attacks. Rating: 722 Cyrus Christie (Nottingham Forest)Linked up well with Parrott down the right in the first half and got in behind the Qatar defence on a few occasions. Got back into the defence well when O’Shea was caught up the pitch for the goal but couldn’t block the shot. Disappointing to see him go off after 20 minutes with an injury which meant Ireland lost a decent attacking asset. Photo: Trenka Attila/PA Wire18 Shane Long (Bournemouth)Gave Ireland a much-needed pacey, mobile outlet up front, pulling the Qatar defence left and right.

Source: The Irish Times March 30, 2021 21:17 UTC