Martin O Neill and Ewan Murray

Ikechi Anya: Related:Ireland Martin O’Neill now faces battle to stop career petering out Ewan Murray There was no shortage of Irish effort in a full-throated, bruising qualifier, interrupted now and then by unexpected outbreaks of neat passing football, according to The Guardian. Scotland greater control in possession, helped by the decisive introduction of Ikechi Anya at half-time, is probably a fair reflection of the balance of power between the two teams. With Poland winning 4-0 at home to Georgia and Germany flexing their muscles against Gibraltar later in the evening this result brings the first hint of a three-team breakaway from the peloton in Group D, leaving Ireland two points back in fourth and facing a tricky autumn run-in. Towards the end, despite a spattering of half-chances, Ireland were a bludgeon when what was required was a razor edge. The presence of Wes Hoolahan in the starting team suggested an eye on attack, although Daryl Murphy selection as a lone striker raised an eyebrow or two before kick-off. In the buildup to this match Martin O’Neill had suggested his team would be cautious in pursuit of the victory they needed to cancel out last November defeat in Glasgow. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.