Republic of Ireland 1-0 Finland: Player ratings

The Republic of Ireland secured a 1-0 win over Finland in the Aviva Stadium.

A play-off to stay in the Nations League B awaits next March.

Ireland had to ride their luck at times. Here is how we rated the players.

Caoimhín Kelleher - 9

Had little to do in the game until the penalty kick despite Ireland being under a lot of pressure in the first half. Made one save from Kallman which was offside and saw the woodwork hit when he could do nothing to keep the ball out. The penalty save was superb and continues his excellent run for Ireland (with the second goal in Greece excluded). Firmly established as Ireland's number one even when Gavin Bazunu does return. Awarded the player of the match, making four saves in total.

Matt Doherty - 6

Solid if unspectacular from Doherty who you could say proved a point that he can be a competent member of the Ireland squad and deserves his place. The back four did suffer at times in terms of keeping their shape. Ebosele was good again so perhaps Doherty’s day in a more attacking role are numbered, we may see him again at right-back given Seamus Coleman’s injury woes. The Wolves' man header at the back post from a corner should have led to a goal, which would have been a fairytale return. He played a superb cross-field pass for a Mikey Johnston chance in the second half.

Nathan Collins – 8

A vital block to prevent Oliver Antman’s goal bound shot was arguably the turning point of the game in Ireland's favour. Finland should have been ahead in that moment, Evan Ferguson would score moments later. The defence suffered from the two-man midfield playing too forward at times and allowing Finland to play through Ireland. Collins and his colleagues had a busy first half and managed to keep the