Ireland player ratings v Hungary: Heather Payne leads the way as Gleeson’s girls are forced to dig deep

Expected to have a quiet night after so many clean sheets but was busy, two key saves in the first half to deny Fenyvesi and Csiszar and again in the second half.

Caitlin Hayes 6

Still early in her international career but unlikely to be happy with her contribution as she looked nervous, second half was more confident but better days to come.

Megan Connolly 6

Usually so reliable at the back but was prone to lapses of concentration and an early concern when Csiszar skipped past her in the box, second half saw her come more into the game.

Louise Quinn 7

Her presence at the back was needed at times to mop up from errors by the defenders around her, offered assurance at times of stress and came close to scoring.

Katie McCabe 6

Largely frustrating evening. Hungary had clearly done their homework to snuff out her threat, her frustration showed with some sub-par set-pieces.

Isibeal Atkinson 6

With midfield so clogged, Ireland looked wide to make things happen and Atkinson was brave on the ball, willing to try moves but taken off early in the second half.

Tyler Toland 6

Started well and this looked like being a night when the rookie moved up a level but a well-drilled Hungarian midfield nullified any threat.

Denise O’Sullivan 7

Work-rate and effort were present as always, will be annoyed at not scoring from a good chance late in the first half but her covering work helped carve out the opening for Ireland’s goal.

Ruesha Littlejohn 6

Some games with a slow pace suit Littlejohn but this was not one of them, was repeatedly outrun by her opposite number, lacked the drive needed to impact the midfield battle.

Heather Payne 8

Looked like the Irish player most likely to make something happen in a frustrating first half, some delightful passes and a clever assist for the own goal.

Kyra Carusa 6

Claimed a goal or at least an assist in the previous games but saw little of the ball here, fluffed an early chance and was unable to force much after that.

Substitutes 7

Jamie Finn (55 mins) added some zest, Lucy Quinn (55) and especially Sinead Farrelly (65) looked bright in spells, Farrelly involved in the Irish goal.

Manager 6

Eileen Gleeson did make changes early in the second half but lack of an earlier response to Hungary’s first-half urgings could have been costly.