Ireland’s Jack Moylan takes a shot(Image: INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
Ireland put five second-half goals past Grenada on Saturday evening in Murcia to claim a comfortable friendly win.
Jack Moylan became the first Ireland player to score a hat-trick on his debut since David Kelly against Israel 39 years ago.
And Tom Cannon got the ball rolling with two quick-fire goals shortly after his half-time arrival.
Overall, there were seven debuts and plenty of promise ahead of two more friendlies – against Qatar and Canada – and the Nations League campaign after the summer break.
Here’s how we rated Ireland’s players…
Max O’Leary – 6
Had very little to do during his time on the pitch, but he dealt with anything he needed to, including collecting a first-half cross and clearing his lines.
James Abankwah – 6
Solid on the ball and looked to join in attacks as there was very little happening in the Irish final third. Tested the goalkeeper with a shot.
Mark McGuinness – 6
He’ll be kicking himself that he didn’t score his first Ireland goal with a first-half header.
Dara O’Shea – 7
Committed to attack as much as possible and good on the ball.
Jason Knight – 7
He was asked to play two different roles tonight – right-wing-back and in the three-man defence – and he acquitted himself well in both.
Jayson Molumby – 6
Saw plenty of the ball in midfield but, particularly in the first-half, was sometimes slow to get it forward.
Conor Coventry – 7
Showed an eagerness to get on the ball and get attacks going. Denied a goal by a fine save.
Tayo Adaramola – 6
Linked up well on occasion with Jack Moylan down the left and his pace caused plenty of issues for the Grenada defenders.
Chiedozie Ogbene – 7
Hit the post with one effort, moments after he teed up Adam Idah for a glorious chance. He got some rough treatment from opposition defenders at times.
Jack Moylan – 9
After seeing a couple of first-half chances saved, his head could have dropped. But he kept going and was rewarded with a sensational second-half hat-trick.
Adam Idah – 6
He should have scored in the first-half, but missed an open goal from eight yards.
SUBS
Will Ferry: His half-time introduction transformed Ireland’s performance. A great debut and an assist for Tom Cannon’s opener. 8
Andrew Moran: On for Conor Coventry at half-time and his range of passing was a joy to watch. 8
Tom Cannon: A first goal just a minute after he came on at half-time, a second 10 minutes later and an injury-time hat-trick chance saved. 8
Aidomo Emakhu: Introduced in the 63rd minute and the former Shamrock Rovers attacker was lively on the right. 6
Millenic Alli: Another 63rd minute introduction, he claimed an assist with the cross for Moylan’s hat-trick. 7
Josh Keeley: Introduced for his first senior Ireland appearance with 16 minutes to go. (not on long enough to rate)
Rory Finneran: In his 16 minutes on the pitch the 18-year-old showed plenty of potential, including one run that led to a free-kick that Tom Cannon smashed against the bar. (not on long enough to rate)