Nathan Collins on target as Ireland secure hard-fought point against Ukraine

The Republic of Ireland ended their season with a hard-fought draw against an impressive Ukraine side in their Nations League clash in Lodz.

Stephen Kenny's side were second best for large chunks of this international fixture against a ball-playing Ukraine side, however, it was Ireland who took the lead in the 31st minute with a fine individual effort from Nathan Collins.

Artem Dovbyk restored parity in the 47th minute, and while it looked like it would lead to more, Ireland dug in, held firm, and in the end saw out the final stages comfortably enough to secure the draw.

There were emotional scenes at the start as the Ukraine national anthem rang around this compact Polish venue, with the supporters raising their national flag in support of their war-torn country as a message of peace was displayed throughout the arena.

Ireland, clad in away orange, started on the front foot, winning a corner inside the first two minutes; the clever set-piece worked in on top of Dmytro Riznyk, who fumbled under pressure, but the referee saved his blushes with a free out despite minimal contact from the Ireland players attacking the ball.

Ten minutes in, Ukraine had their passing game operating to perfection, dragging the Ireland team all out of shape, and it led to their first chance on goal in the eighth minute as Ruslan Malinovskyi hit a ferocious shot that really tested Caoimhin Kelleher, however, the keeper got two strong hands behind the ball and parried it away and out of danger.

Troy Parrot and Scott Hogan had to sit deep in front of the midfield, looking to reduce the space for the home side to go through and look to rely on hopeful balls out the channels.

Eventually Ireland moved the line up to halfway and then a hopeful break allowed