It's a difficult match to give ratings for, such was the gap in performance level between the first and second half. It would have been mostly 7's and 8's in the first half and 3's and 4's in the second, anyway...
GIVEN 6 No mistakes, no very difficult saves to make
KELLY 6.5 Looked more like the Kelly who was ever present for Birmingham in 2007/08
McSHANE 5 Always looks like he's going to do something ridiculous and rarely disappoints, one shocking mistake
ST LEDGER 5.5 Started well but got less and less comfortable as the game went on, one shocking mistake also
KILBANE 5 Should be more careful in possession for a player with such experience
LAWRENCE 3 One of those nights, seems to be playing less regularly for Stoke also
ANDREWS 7 Outstanding in the first half, awful mistake out the right in second and generally deteriorated
WHELAN 6.5 Some good blocks and nice passes in an attacking sense in first half
DUFF 7 Really looks to be enjoying his football, by a distance our biggest attacking threat
KEANE 5 Started reasonably well but faded badly
DOYLE 8 Probably our only outfield player as impressive in both halves
As for the subs- GIBSON didn't contribute much, one nice turn in his own penalty box. McGEADY continued from where he left off at Ibrox i.e. shocking. I don't think he's a good impact sub anyway, needs to feel his way into game and get the measure of his opponent. McCARTHY did his best to throw himself about in fairness and had a couple of decent moments, in particular a nice bit of skill to keep the ball in play down the right. Also won a couple of decent tackles but had come on at a very difficult period. Could possibly have been played in by Best if he hadn't shot. BEST didn't have much of an impact but wasn't on all that long.
