Ireland Player Ratings: June Camp
Ireland recorded a win against Andorra and a draw against Hungary as Ireland ended the international break with a degree of momentum following a turbulent season. We have given our player ratings over the two games, this is only one perspective and we would welcome input into other fans opinions!
Goalkeepers
Gavin Bazunu-8
Still only 19, Gavin Bazunu already looks like a seasoned pro and a real contemporary goalkeeper. With a calmness resembling Shay Given, the Manchester City keeper showed quality distribution, expert anticipation and pulled off some excellent saves, particularly his diving effort against Hungary. Will be pushing to secure his place as Ireland number 1 against Portugal.
Caoimhín Kelleher-9
In context, Liverpool’s Caoimhín Kelleher can only be rated on his second half showing against Hungary and set the tone for his performance with an assured save from a snap shot which was followed by several close range stops. Like Bazunu, Kelleher looked calm and unfazed in what was his first senior cap. For two keepers that haven't played a first team match for nearly 3 months and beyond, we seem to be in safe hands for the next decade plus more.
Mark Travers-n/a
Perhaps lucky to be in the squad after Darren Randolph’s injury and the likes of Sean McDermott, Colin Doyle, Christy Pym and Jack Bonham beng overlooked. Needs first team football next season or else his selection will rightly be questioned.
Defenders
Matt Doherty-7
Having endured a season full of struggles and criticism, many would have expected Seamus Coleman to step in for Spurs wing-back Matt Doherty. However, with the Ireland skipper unavailable, the Dubliner impressed going forward and defending, perhaps more so against Hungary. It should be accepted now that the Doherty seen at Wolves was certainly the success of Nuno’s system and personnel and Ireland fans must recognise the role he brings to Ireland and Spurs for that matter as a slightly less effective one.
Shane Duffy-7
The Brighton mans first bit of game time since departing Celtic and his experience did shine through. Didn’t need to contribute a huge amount against Andorra but was rock solid on the right of Stephen Kenny’s back three. Playing it out from the back has been deemed a weakness of the Derryman but he did play some impressive balls over the top in Budapest finding their intended recipient.
John Egan-6
John Egan is perhaps one of the most popular squad members and consistent performers domestically which would have contributed to him being selected a captain in Seamus Colemans absence. Egan does have a comfort on the ball and comes out on top of most aerial duals with his effort against Hungary coming agonisingly close to going in off the post. However, on closer analysis of Egan’s performances over the last two games, there is still little evidence to suggest he has looked fully comfortable at international level in his 14 caps. Egan, who has been cited as key to Stephen Kenny’s style of play, lost possession under little pressure twice against the Hungarians and lost his marker several times over the two games. Despite skippering the team two games on the trot, Egan still looks like an international rookie at key times.
Dara O’Shea-8
Dara O’Shea has been described as a ‘robot’ in the past becuase of his ability to take on tactical instruction so quickly. He has shown that he has the perfect balance of being able to play it out from the back and having a real physical edge. He is perhaps Ireland’s most athletic center-back and apart from getting wrong footed on the bye line in the second half against Hungary, did very little wrong. Operating on the left of the back three in Budapest, O’Shea was given license to carry the ball, almost as far as the edge of the opposition box at times. This confidence and comfort on the ball could be key to Ireland playing the type of football Stephen Kenny is encouraging.
James McClean-8
After a few years of sloppy performances lacking any real signs of improvement, James McClean looks reinvented under Stephen Kenny as a left-wing-back. McClean is evidently playing with a cooler head and rather than barging forward heedlessly, is finally demonstrating the basics extremely well. His deliveries in both games were impeccable and only lacked a head on the receiving end. Like Steve Staunton and Kevin Kilbane before him, McClean has shown that he could easily close out his career in a defensive role where he can still provide a threat from his crosses and the solidity and grit seen in his physical game.
Ryan Manning-5
As refreshing as it was to see James McClean settle into the left-wing-back role with ease, it was also unfortunate not to see Ryan Manning afforded a chance to stake his claim. Manning, who started his career as an attacking midfielder, has been in and out of the Swansea side which just missed out on promotion. However, given the fact that both McClean and Enda Stevens are in to their 30’s, it would have been no harm to see Manning operate on the left in at least one game.
Lee O’Connor-n/a
No game time for the Ireland under-21 captain who can operate as a right and left back. Will be hoping for game time at Celtic now that Jonjo Kenny has returned to Everton.
Andrew Omobamidele-n/a
A name many Irish fans were hoping to see at some stage and that Andorra game could well be citied as a missed opportunity to field the young Norwich man. Huge season of Premier League football ahead for the 18 year old.
Midfielders
Conor Hourihane-5
A talented player and a fan favourite anywhere he goes, Conor Hourihane like John Egan, still looks an international rookie at times despite his undoubted talent. Sloppy on the ball and passive on it, Hourihane could possibly benefit from playing higher up the pitch rather than sitting deeper. Hourihane passed to opposition feet far too many times in the Nations League and in the last two games and considering he thrived as a number 10 on loan at Swansea, perhaps this could be a more suitable role for the 30-year-old. Hourihane has a wand of a left foot and offers good balance in midfield and may cause more harm closer to the opposition box rather than collecting the ball from his defenders.
Josh Cullen-6
After possibly being Ireland’s standout game in the last set of international fixtures, Josh Cullen was a bit more low key this time round, perhaps owing to fatigue after a decent season with Anderlecht. Seems to be more suited in an anchoring role than having a midfield partner and although he was always looking to demand the ball, he ended up very isolated at times. Does have composure in possession and the ability to transfer the ball quickly, something Irish midfielder have lacked for some time and for that reason, he will be a key player for Stephen Kenny. Demonstrated some excellent fighting spirit against Hungary winning several duals and carrying the ball for a great distance despite being taken out of it by a Hungarian moments before.
Jason Knight-8
Deployed on the right and in the middle, Jason Knight showed his versatility which has made him a key part of Wayne Rooney’s Derby plans. Didn’t exacly strike up a good understanding with Matt Doherty against Andorra but his delivery for Darryl Horgan’s goal was excellent as was his goal. Tidy in possession and extremely physical, Knight seemed a bit more at ease playing behind Troy Parrott and Adam Idah where he could press the Hungarian defence but also get the ball to feet and try and make something happen. Looks like he has nailed his starting place under Kenny although where that is remains to be seen.
Harry Arter-5
A cameo against Andorra after receiving a shock call up but Arter seems to be the type of player Kenny wants in his squad having name checked him before his first set of international fixtures as Ireland manager. Arter is tidy on the ball but like Hourihane can be very passive off it. What is most concerning is the Nottingham Forest man’s lack of game time which will hurt Ireland should he continue to be selected.
Daryl Horgan-8
Daryl Horgan has perhaps been one of the bright sparks under Stephen Kenny, a coach he thrived under in the Europa League with Dundalk. The Wycombe man looks suited to the international game despite the fact he is about to start the season in League 1. His technical ability, dribbling and vision could be key to giving Ireland a much needed creative dimension and his return of a goal and assist against Andorra off the bench showed the impact he can have when called upon. With one of his first touches against Hungary he casually chested the ball down in the opposition box and nearly turned provider for Adam Idah. An underappreciated player and could be a key ‘finisher’ for Kenny.
Ronan Curtis-4
It is very hard to know what Ronan Curtis offers Ireland. Has been anonymous in each of his seven caps with his only major contribution being a horrendous miss against Andorra which epitomised his struggle to even do the basics against one of Europe's worst sides. Has carved out a good career for himself in League 1 and seems an excellent pro but the international game is well beyond him.
Jamie McGrath-5
Didn’t have much time to make an impact against Andorra which is disappointing given the season he has had with St. Mirren. Definitely adds a technical edge and will hopefully feature in future Ireland squads.
Danny Mandriou-n/a
The surprise inclusion in the squad wasn’t afforded a minute in either game but would have benefited from being around the squad. An exceptional talent who like McGrath could add a different dimension to how Ireland play in the final third.
Strikers
James Collins-5
Another player to look slightly fatigued, James Collins’s miss against Andorra showed that although his domestic goal scoring record is nothing to be sneered at, we cannot rely on him to put away chances in good positions. His movement up front was extremely static which mad the midfielders job a lot harder with his hold up play virtually non-existent. Given Ireland's depth up front, it will be interesting to see if Collins remains as far up the pecking order as he has so far under Stephen Kenny.
Troy Parrott-9
Troy Parrott’s first two international goals not only lifted the monkey off the back of Ireland but also silenced a lot of the Dubliners doubters. His first was real quality, taking the game by the scruff of the neck with an excellent run. These runs and willingness to attack defenders was seen throughout the two games and Parrott’s liveliness and direct style is something that Irish attackers have lacked for years. There was the occasional overenthusiasm with these runs against Hungary but Parrott showed an unpredictability and determination to drive forward and make something happen. His tidiness when the ball was played to his feet also showed that he is a well rounded striker that could not only provide Ireland with a goal threat but also a creative one when used in a slightly withdrawn position.
Adam Idah-7
A partner of Parrott for many years now on the underage circuit, Adam Idah too showed that Ireland are well stocked with young striker. Didn’t make much of an impact against Andorra but grew into the game steadily in Budapest after struggling to get to grips with the physicality. Standing at 6'3 but also having plenty of pace a good ball control, Idah offers Stephen Kenny that perfect option up to should Ireland paly it on the deck or choose their moments to go long. He became a nuisance for the Hungarian’s late on and was unlucky to see his effort saved by Adam Bogdan where perhaps squaring to Jason Knight would have been the better option.
Chiedoze Ogbene-7
Th first African born player t represent Ireland at senior level, Chiedoze Ogbene’s late cameo in Budapest will leave a lasting impression on Stephen Kenny and many Ireland fans. Full of pace and confidence, the Rottherham winger hit the side net late on in what would have been a dream start to his international career.
Stephen Kenny-7
Would have feared the worst after the Andorra opener but Stephen Kenny will be pleased overall, especially after last nights showing in Budapest. Needs to decide on a preferred formation although it seems he is leaning towards playing a variation of a three at the back. It is also evident that Kenny’s prime objective is to play it out from the back, however, Ireland need to pick and choose their moments to go long too. Against Hungary, only three Hungarians were back on the high press meaning that if Ireland choose to go long, the tall and pacey Adam Idah could have provided a dangerous outlet on the break with Jason Knight and Troy Parrott running off.
However, Ireland looked solid overall with the exception of a lack of idea’s in midfield and static movement up front against Andorra which ultimately made Ireland look very timid against the minnows. Kenny should consider giving a greater role to more technical talents like Daryl Horgan and perhaps Jack Byrne when he returns as for all the good intentions of keeping possession, Ireland also need players who can cap it all and make it worthwhile by providing creativity and end product. Ireland sometimes lacked something in the final third but once Kenny strikes the balance in his selection, his philosophy should start to shine through even more.
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