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23 Darren Randolph (West Ham United)
He cannot be blamed for the Wales goal and he made an impressive save to deny David Brooks a second at the break. He then stopped Kieffer Moore from putting salt on the Irish wounds later. Rating: 7
2 Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur)
He was able to play higher up the field in Cardiff but rarely came out on the outside, and his Spurs teammate Gareth Bale easily outplayed him at the back post for the Wales winner. Rating: 5
4 Shane Duffy (Celtic)
His transfer to Parkhead has clearly not had the galvanizing effect that was expected. He looks short of confidence and lacked his usual presence in both boxes, as the goal shows. Rating: 5
Shane Duffy looks dejected after Ireland’s defeat in Cardiff. Photograph: Tommy Dickson / Inpho
15 Kevin Long (Burnley)
Caught on the ball by Brooks early on and hit by Moore in preparation for the goal, but he deserves to keep his spot, potentially joining John Egan when he’s in shape. Rating: 6
20 Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion)
O’Shea had a calm but confident first half and there were flashes of his ability defending man to man. He couldn’t stop James from getting the cross for the Brooks winner. Rating: 6
22 Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion)
Ireland had the best of the midfield battle in the first half with Molumby doing a lot of dirty work, allowing Brady and Hendrick to play higher up the field. A very helpful team member. Rating: 6
10 Robbie Brady (Burnley)
Brady, Ireland’s best player in the first half, created opportunities for McClean and Idah with excellent direct passes. His set pieces were dangerous and he seems to fit in well with Kenny’s philosophy based on possession. Rating: 7
Darren Randolph saves David Brooks during Ireland’s loss to Wales. Photograph: Geoff Caddick / Getty / AFP
13 Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United)
A frustrating night for Ireland was summed up in Hendrick’s late red card for knocking down Roberts, shortly after he let Brooks go to goal. Once again, it started off brilliantly before fading away. Rating: 4
8 Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers)
Horgan was on the field for less than an hour during which he ran hard on and off the ball and showed occasional class moments in possession. Rating: 6
11 James McClean (Stoke City)
He offered many runs and helped lead the Irish press, but was not pleased with Welsh right-back Neco Williams. Strive to combine industry with quality eye-opening moments. Rating: 5
Daryl Horgan challenges in the air during Ireland’s defeat in Wales. Photograph: Geoff Caddick / Getty / AFP
9 Adam Idah (city of Norwich)
Idah got a good hold on the ball again, but was too isolated too often. He couldn’t cash in on a good ball from Brady, but he almost caught Mepham at the hour mark. Rating: 6
Bank
19-year-old Jason Knight can be forgiven for keeping an eye on Wales’ goal and James Collins made a name for himself, testing Danny Ward a couple of times, but wasting a good opportunity with a tame header. Rating: 6
Manager
This one will really sting. The Irish players looked puzzled after the loss, so it is Kenny’s responsibility to pick them up ahead of Bulgaria. Win that and things will look a lot better. Rating: 6
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