TROY PARROTT continued his hot form in front of goal with a 90th minute winner as Ireland beat Hungary 2-1 in Dublin.
The 22-year-old – who ended his loan spell in the Eredivisie with a glut of goals for Excelsior Rotterdam – sprang off the bench to gift the Boys in Green their first win in eight months.
It was the ideal start to John O’Shea‘s second stint as interim head coach as the FAI continue their search for a permanent manager.
Ireland had taken the lead in a largely drab contest through Adam Idah‘s first-half header, only for Adam Lang to bury past Caoimhin Kelleher for the equaliser.
Jake O’Brien came on at half-time for his senior Ireland debut, but it was fellow sub Parrott who stole the headlines with the late winner.
Read on to find out how SunSport rated the Ireland performances.
CAOIMHÍN KELLEHER: 8
Big opportunity to further strengthen his claim to be Ireland’s no 1. Made a couple of big saves in either half but could do nothing about goal.
MATT DOHERTY: 7
As everyone waited for him to send in a deep cross, he casually stroked the ball into Smallbone’s path for him to cross to Idah to score.
SÉAMUS COLEMAN: 7
Showed why he is so respected by his peers as he was quick in to back up Troy Parrott when he got into a row with Dominik Szoboszlai.
SHANE DUFFY: 5
Difficult end to the season on and off the field. Got a vote of confidence here with the start but made way after a tough 45 minutes.
DARA O’SHEA: 7
Despite Burnley’s relegation, he grew as a player over the course of the season and underlined why he is likely to be a regular for Ireland.
ROBBIE BRADY: 6
Some might have expected the Preston moved aside for a younger player but is rated by the man who saw him come through the ranks at Manchester United.
FINN AZAZ: 5
Undoubtedly a talented player who will have plenty to offer Ireland in the coming years but he struggled to make a real impact this game.
WILL SMALLBONE: 8
Helped Southampton make an immediate return to the Premier League and showed his football intelligence and execution for Ireland’s goal.
JOSH CULLEN: 6
Got married in Italy on Friday. This might not have been the sort of honeymoon he or his wife imagined but top marks for commitment.
SAMMIE SZMODICS: 6
Had made a good impression in March in his first two caps. Found it tougher going against a country for which he also qualifies.
ADAM IDAH: 7
A much-maligned striker who is continuing to show why those in the know have always rated him. Headed goal reminiscent of Frank Stapleton
SUBSTITUTES:
JAKE O’BRIEN (for Doherty 46): 7
LIAM SCALES (for Duffy 46): 6
TROY PARROTT (for Azaz 62): 7
CALLUM O’DOWDA (for Brady 62): 5
MICHAEL OBAFEMI (for Idah 71): 5
JASON KNIGHT (for Cullen 79): 5