Ireland player ratings v Bulgaria
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Shay Given
Not overburdened with saves to make, but generally provided a calming presence in the second half as he claimed everything he needed to with assurance and remained alert, frequently providing a passing option for his defenders when they were headed down a cul de sac. John O'Shea
A case of job done for O'Shea in the sense that he managed to keep the disappointing Martin Petrov quiet which justified the decision to deploy him there in the first place.
Switched off briefly at the beginning of second half which almost led to trouble but otherwise solid until late injury.Kevin Kilbane
A night to forget for the veteran who accepted full responsibility for the error which allowed the hosts in to equalise.Caught out on a number of occasions, with the Bulgarians appearing to have identified him as a weak link, floating a series of passes in his direction.
Was more alert after the break.Sean St Ledger
An impressive outing from the rookie, who was only really exposed the once when Berbatov slipped out of his radar to waste the best Bulgarian chance of the second half. Aside from that, he was calm and followed instructions by not trying anything too elaborate. A welcome long-term option at centre-half.Richard Dunne
A colossal display from the goalscorer, made all the better by the fact that he needed a painkilling injection to play in the game. Led from the back, winning countless headers and making a few extremely timely interventions to halt Bulgarian momentum. Possibly his best display in an Irish shirt.Glenn Whelan
Not a good night for the Stoke man, who failed to bring his club form to the table here. In Dublin, Stiliyan Petrov and Stanislav Angelov were allowed to dictate possession in midfield and it was more of the same here with Whelan unable to properly impose himself on proceedings, lacking any conviction.Stephen Hunt
The usual spirited show from Hunt who, as expected, was as busy defensively as he was going forward. Made sense to replace the Reading man with Aiden McGeady when the time came, but left a lasting impact on game by winning a free kick and then putting in the inch perfect delivery for Dunne's opener.Keith Andrews
The superior performer in the midfield combination but also struggled as the aforementioned Petrov and Angelov were in their element. More presence about him than Whelan and remained calm in the dying stages as the visitors tried to run down the clock. Rarely ventured into opposition territory.Caleb Folan
Superb first-half outing from Folan, who tired as the game progressed. Terrorised the defence from the off, getting the better of physical exchanges and complementing that with a clever flick here and there, including in the build up to the goal. Laboured after the interval but can reflect with pride.Robbie Keane
Probably the skipper's worst game since Trapattoni's appointment, perhaps feeling the effects of the knee problem which forced him to miss a few days training in the build-up and also required a painkiller. Unable to capitalise on space forged by Folan, mis-timing runs and never really getting on the ball.Damien Duff
Drifted in and out of the game but showed all his experience when involved, clearly more adept than many of those around him when it came to the business of winning frees and buying time on the ball when things became a little frenetic. A few trademark dashes although never too dangerous in final third.Giovanni Trapattoni
Another good result on the road. Can be satisfied with the business of the past fortnight. Made the right call by introducing St Ledger to the fray while the only strange substitution was the introduction of Leon Best who looked sluggish, with Shane Long surprisingly not even on the bench. Has instilled belief in the team.Aiden McGeady
(replaced Hunt, 70) -- The Celtic winger took a while to warm to proceedings but almost snatched dramatic late winner when his shot hit the outside of the post. 6Leon Best
(replaced Keane 73)
Surprise addition and struggled to come to terms with the pace of the game. Rushed a late cross when more composure could have created an opening 5Stephen Kelly
(replaced O'Shea 82)
Summoned in emergency but admirable poise to make decisive late defensive clearances going some way to atoning for errors on last Irish appearance. 7
