HOW THEY RATED: Northern Ireland player scores against Ukraine - with one 9 on another big Nations League night
Terry Devlin’s first goal on the senior international stage proved a special strike that provided the defender with a milestone moment and Northern Ireland with another UEFA Nations League win.
The 1-0 win at Windsor Park delivered another clean sheet for Michael O’Neill’s bright young squad and another step forward.
Here’s how the Northern Ireland players rated:
PIERCE CHARLES: Alert off his line just before the half-hour mark with a smart stop to prevent Ukraine gaining reward for such a bright start, he then produced a stunning late close-range stop to help bank the blank - 8
TERRY DEVLIN: Offered a start for his defensive strengths but delivered in the attacking third on two first-half occasions, first with his hooked cross salvaging what appeared a lost cause then a sweeping ball from deep across the danger area. But his big moment arrived to break the deadlock with a beauty of a long-range drive for a first senior international goal - 9
JUSTIN DEVENNY: Excellent defensive contribution, especially during the initial stage of pressure and possession by Ukraine - 8
TOM ATCHESON: Comfort on the ball from the back a growing starting point for attacks, with his body swerve and slick footwork during an advance into midfield especially celebrated by the Green And White Army - 7
TRAI HUME: Ever-assured in defence or midfield, the captain displayed discipline and direction to cover gaps or offer an outlet to team-mates - 7
ETHAN GALBRAITH: A constant suggestion of a spark when on the ball, always probing and searching for a way to cause maximum damage - 8
JAMIE DONLEY: An early throw-in won under pressure from four Ukraine players typified the forward's combative and dedicated display in service to the team. Huge disappointment to have both his goal chalked off then later pick up a damaging booking - 8
ISAAC PRICE: Buzzing around the game as ever but unable to make the decisive impact despite passion and persistence - 7
RUAIRI McCONVILLE: Kept his focus under Ukraine's sustained pressure across the first half-hour of play plus produced a perfectly-timed second-half sliding challenge in his own penalty area - 7
SHEA CHARLES: Effort and endeavour in the engine room on a night when his focus was more on destruction than drive - 7
CIARON BROWN: A target off set-pieces without able to build on the scoring end product of the previous UEFA Nations League window but dependable as ever in defence - 7
Subs:
PATRICK KELLY (on for Devlin, 79): More senior minutes to help his continued growth – 6
JOSH MAGENNIS (on for Donley, 86): Trusted addition off the bench across closing stages – 6
BRODIE SPENCER (on for Devenny, 86): Another excellent player to work towards the finish line – 6