By MALACHY CLERKIN

1 Shay Given (Aston Villa)

Only fair we give him a night off once in a while. The Estonians' borderline addiction to shooting on sight left him with an evening where the most he had to deal with were bobbing, bouncing pot shots from distance. The only time he was in trouble, Vassiljev's rocket swept a couple of feet outside the post. 6/10

2 Stephen Kelly (Fulham)

Not the most assured night he’s had in an Irish jersey. A bit exposed early on as the Estonians sensed weakness in him and attacked down his flank. Naturally found himself far better protected after the goal and first sending-off but even so, his play was uncertain for much of the game. 5/10

3 Stephen Ward (Wolves)

Classy performance, as much in attack as in defence. Took care of his primary duty very well, with two nick-of-time interventions – one in each half – especially catching the eye. As the game opened up, he foraged forward and gave the beleaguered Estonians more to think about. 7/10

4 Seán St Ledger (Leicester City)

Without being overly busy, he wasn't particularly convincing either. Always seemed to need an extra touch or a spare second on the ball. Has long been one of Trap's pillars but it feels like an age since he had an authoritative night in an Ireland shirt . 4/10

5 Richard Dunne (Aston Villa)

Stood tall like you'd expect him to. When Estonia had their spell of intensity between the goal and the sending-off in the first half, Dunne settled matters down with a thumping block on Ahjupera. After the first red card, he had little enough to do. 7/10

6 Glenn Whelan (Stoke City)

No more and no less than you'd expect from him. Barely played an incisive pass or joined in an attack but then that isn't what Trapattoni has him there for. Stood sentry in midfield to break up Estonian play when he could. Needed the second goal though – life was getting difficult in there before it. 6/10

7 Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow)

In the mood, he's always the brightest sparkler in Irish hands. Given the space and time, his cross for Andrews' goal pretty much dared the Ipswich midfielder to put his name on it. His link-up play with Stephen Ward when Ireland were a man up kept the Estonians guessing. 8/10

8 Keith Andrews (Ipswich Town)

Becoming a real plus in midfield for Ireland, quietly turning into a leader as well as a worker. Took his goal with real gusto, rising to meet McGeady's cross at its highest point. His passing has improved as the campaign has gone on and was clever again last night. 7/10

9 Jonathan Walters (Stoke City)

Justified selection, as they say. Was the focus of just about every Irish ball forward when there were 22 players on the pitch and although he was more peripheral afterwards, he deserved his goal in the end. Not hard to see him being first choice next summer. 7/10

10 Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)

When the game needed winning, he was there to do it. Picked out Walters beautifully for the second goal after his chance went and then took both of his like he's taken the majority of the ones that have gone before. Deserves this. 8/10

11 Damien Duff (Fulham)

Never offered quite the threat McGeady did on the other side but was never less than diligent all the same. Managed a clean strike on goal in the second half but in all truth his best work was done on the back foot. 6/10

Substitutes

Stephen Hunt (Wolves) 7/10

Won the penalty by scaring the defender into a dumb tackle.

Keith Fahey (Birmingham City)

Simon Cox (West Brom)

Not on long enough to be rated.