Ireland player ratings: Collins marvellous once again

The Republic of Ireland earned a point against Ukraine away from home in Lodz, Poland, Here is how we rated Stephen Kenny's side tonight.

Caoimhín Kelleher 7

Parried well from Ruslan Malinovskyi in the first half, always looked assured with the ball at his feet. Saved again well from Vitaliy Mykolenko after he got in behind Alan Browne. Dealt with crosses and setpieces comfortably, a presence behind his back three. Always made the right decision on when to play out through the back and when to play long. A top goalkeeper but will do well to hold on to the number one spot when Gavin Bazunu comes back.

Darragh Lenihan 7

You would never have thought that this was his first competitive start, the Meathman looked an assured presence on the right of the back three. The Blackburn Rovers skipper was a presence in both boxes and fired a volley wide after reacting quickest to a loose ball. Went into the book for a bad challenge on Mykhailo Mudryk. He would have impressed his new club manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, but could be on his way out of the club.

Nathan Collins 9

Scored one of the best goals ever seen in an Ireland shirt. Read the game superbly, stepped into midfield and beyond, dribbled past a couple Ukrainian defenders and then produced the most exquisite outside of the foot finishes you'll ever see. Faultless in possession, with a good turn of pace when needed. He will have put Shane Duffy's spot under pressure in the middle of defence. Defended well at the heart of the back three, a marvel and future Ireland captain.

Dara O'Shea 7

Played on the more unnatural left of the back three for a right-footed centre-back. Powerful in the air, and quick on the turn, he just could not get back quick enough to stop Andriy Yarmolenko's cross