JAMES MCCLEAN was given a late red card as Republic of Ireland’s miserable week continued.
The Stoke midfielder was shown a second yellow after flying into a tackle on Ethan Ampadu late in the game – just minutes after being booked.
James McClean was shown a late red card as the Republic of Ireland and Wales drew 0-0Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Tempers flared during the Nations League clash in DublinCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
And it ensured his team followed their heart-breaking Euro 2020 exit by once again failing to break their Nations League duck.
The host nation announced hours before kick-off that five further players had been ruled out of the game due to Covid.
Head coach Stephen Kenny – who was already without Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah for similar reasons – said four of the latest batch would have started.
John Egan, Alan Browne, Callum O’Dowda and Callum Robinson all played in Slovakia on Thursday but were absent here – along with Blackburn’s Derrick Williams.
So in total Kenny had to manage without 12 of the players who he had initially selected for the squad for this international break.
Having gone out of the Euro 2020 on penalties this week, he must have been wondering when his luck would change.
Well it didn’t in the first half here – as defender Kevin Long had to go off with a huge lump on his eye after an accidental arm from Kieffer Moore.
Both sides had difficult nights in midweek – with Wales beaten at Wembley – and that showed in a largely forgettable first half.
Ethan Ampadu was left in a heap by McClean’s late challengeCredit: PA:Press Association
Wales were furious with the winger’s anticsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Harry Wilson swapped passes with the returning Aaron Ramsey before curling a left-footed shot which was pushed away by Darren Randolph.
The home keeper was lucky to escape as he spilled a routine corner and then wrestled Ethan Ampadu to the floor – but the Greek ref gave him the benefit of the doubt.
At the other end, Wilson’s blind pass presented Robbie Brady with a chance but he took his shot early and curled it just wide.
Ireland had more of the ball but neither side could find a breakthroughCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Premier League stars including Man Utd’s Dan James and Spurs’ Matt Doherty were involvedCredit: PA:Press Association
After the break, Enda Stephens whipped over a cross that was perfect for Shane Long but he planted his header over the bar.
A McClean cross fell nicely for Horgan whose header was blocked before he lifted the rebound over the bar.
But Wales kept them at bay to make it eight unbeaten in competitive games – and five clean sheets in a row.
Ryan Giggs men – who are currently without Gareth Bale – stay top of the group ahead of a trip to Bulgaria on Wednesday.
Chances were few and far between at an empty Aviva StadiumCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
Ireland next face Finland while Wales take on BulgariaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores on his England debut in 3-0 win over Wales
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
