Northern Ireland winger Conor McMenamin battles for possession against Slovenia
It wasn’t to be for Northern Ireland in Ljubljana on Thursday night as they were beaten 4-2 by Slovenia in their Euro 2024 qualifier.
Here’s how Graham Luney rated the individual performances...
Bailey Peacock-Farrell – 5
40th appearance for the shot-stopper, was left exposed and beaten in third minute. Was tricked by deflection for second and had no chance with Sesko finish. Sporar outwitted him for fourth.
Paddy McNair – 5
Allowed Sporar to run free for the opener. The Northern Ireland defence simply couldn’t cope with the Slovenia frontline.
Jonny Evans – 6
Manchester United comeback king was caught cold for opener and second goal took deflection off him. Fortune smiled on him in the second half when his deflected finish hit the net.
Ciaron Brown – 5
Ended up on the deck and needing treatment as Petar Stojanović fired his side in front. Had to go off in the 21st minute with ankle injury. Cruel and painful twist.
Trai Hume – 6
Some good link-up play as Northern Ireland passed the ball around with pace and purpose. But it was a night when the backline that O’Neill praised was battered by Sesko and Sporar.
Shea Charles – 6
Made few important interventions, though efforts from distance lacked accuracy. Retains possession so well but earned a booking for late challenge.
George Saville – 5
Still awaits first goal and rarely has impact in attacking sense, but is combative and does ugly work in midfield. The midfield was decent going forward but was also exposed.
Matty Kennedy – 6
Kilmarnock winger made his second competitive start, early free kick floated narrowly wide and promising attacking play. Whipped in good crosses but no
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