Player Ratings: Evan Ferguson and Will Smallbone among Ireland's bright spots against Latvia

The Republic of Ireland earned a hard-fought 3-2 win over Latvia in Wednesday's international friendly at the Aviva Stadium. Here's how the players rated:

Caoimhin Kelleher - 5

It was the goalkeeper's first game since Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Wolves in the FA Cup last January at Molineux. Kelleher showed no signs of rust as he played the ball out to an Ireland team sent out to dominate possession.

He also kept his cool to deal with a Latvian advance early in the first half. But, when a shot deflected off Nathan Collins in the final seconds of the first half, he couldn’t control the ball after saving and it trickled in.

Matt Doherty - 7

The right wing-back captained Ireland almost five years to the day from his international debut. His experience combined with the youth of Will Smallbone and together they tormented Latvia on the right hand side.

Doherty even got the pre-assist for the opening goal. The full-back’s copy book was blotted by giving away the ball and this led to Roberts Uldriķis scoring from distance.

Nathan Collins - 7

The defender seemed to rewrite any rules around him with a sublime goal against Ukraine last summer.

He repeated those skills on Wednesday as he pushed Ireland up from defence. When he wasn’t carrying the team forward, Collins marshalled the back three.

Dara O’Shea - 7

The defender had very little to do from a defensive point of view. Ireland dominated possesion but everything Latvia did send up the pitch, O’Shea and the defence handled with ease.

Andrew Omobamidele - 6

After an injury blighted 2022, the defender returned and did exactly what he was told against Latvia. He cannot be faulted for the two goals, especially with the opposition reduced to just four shots in the first half.

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