A game that lived up to its billing, Ireland drew 0-0 at home to North Macedonia in what was truly a dead rubber.
Heimir Hallgrimsson started much of the same side from Prague, with only the likes of Bosun Lawal and James Abankwah making their International debuts in the second half, to what was a sizeable crowd of nearly 40,000 considering the lack of anything at stake.
This is the start of a new era for the Ireland National team, as hopefully this momentum and positivity over the past few months can carry on towards a home Euros in 2028.
Seamus Coleman. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Player Ratings from Ireland’s goalless draw to North Macedonia
CAOIMHIN KELLEHER 7
He had little to do but made sure one deflected first-half free posed no threat. He has become a world-class talent.
SEAMUS COLEMAN 7
Excellent first half, moving superbly not only up and down the right but coming in field to pick passes, too.
John Egan. Pic: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile
JOHN EGAN 6
He had a chance to score or give a team-mate a tap-in with a tenth-minute header but miscued. Solid otherwise.
NATHAN COLLINS 7
Now looks like he relishes leading this team. The lapses are rare now, and his passing out from the back is quality.
DARA O’SHEA 7
Fond of a deep cross-field pass and it’s clearly a tactic. Committed as ever but the defence wasn’t much stretched.
Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
LIAM SCALES 6
Was willing and he tried to play high and wide whenever he got the chance, but his use of the ball was uncertain.
JAYSON MOLUMBY 6
A game like this against limited opponents tends to show his offensive limitations, but he was always disciplined and positionally aware.
JASON KNIGHT 6
Saw plenty of the ball and he worked tirelessly, but he couldn’t provide a creative spark. He’s a solid option.
Jason Knight. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
FINN AZAZ 7
Played close to Parrott and that position allowed him to pick passes and be more involved. Increasingly important as a creator.
CHIEDOZIE OGBENE 7
There is no better out-ball for this team than Ogbene, who defied limited club time to produce another lung-busting effort.
TROY PARROTT 7
Missed a sitter and had another flagged offside before the break. Could have had two in the second half. Frustrated, but flying.
Troy Parrott. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
REPLACEMENTS 6
Bosun Lawal and James Abankwah made their debuts and Harvey Vale won his second Ireland cap as part of a glut of subs. Lawal impressed but Abankwah departed injured and devastated. Johnny Kenny was part of another raft of changes, and he should have won it but shot straight at the keeper.
COACH 7
He was right to pick largely the same team again, and he is obviously intent on building at solid core. Ran his bench from early in the second half, and will have been impressed by how Lawal did. Stock keeps rising.