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Northern Ireland v Austria - Player Ratings
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill wants his side to forget all about the Nations League (Brian Lawless/PA)
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A heartbreaking loss at Windsor Park against Austria saw Northern Ireland close their UEFA Nations League campaign on a mute note. But how did the players rate?
Trevor Carson - 6: Came in for Baily Peacock-Farrell in goal. Didn't have too many saves to make and could do little with any of the well-taken Austrian goals.
Michael Smith - 7: Was up against Bayern Munic star David Alaba who has ripped many a full-back to shreds. The Hearts right-back produced a solid performance.
Jonny Evans - 7: It's rare that Evans has an off day in a Northern Ireland shirt. This wasn't one of them but was gutted at the end to be on the losing side again.
Gareth McAuley - 7: Winning his 80th cap, the bid defender's return to the international arena went well until Austria's injury-time sucker punch. Read the game well.
Niall McGinn - 6: Magnificent in his last Windsor outing, the Aberdeen ace didn't see as much of the ball this time. Was inches wide with a free kick.
Steven Davis - 7: Very strong for 70 minutes in starting attacks with clever passing. Some uncharacteristic misplaced passes in the latter stages.
Corry Evans - 7: Energetic and had a real impact going forward, never more so than when he scored a second half equaliser. A dream moment for him in front of the Kop.
Corry Evans scored a rare goal for Northern Ireland in the defeat to Austria (Brian Lawless/PA)
PA Wire/PA Images
George Saville - 7: After a quiet opening 45 came into the match more in the second half, driving forward at every opportunity. Shot just wide late on.
Stuart Dallas - 7: Leeds star displayed his versatility at left back. Raided forward but was disappointed to lose the ball which led to Austria's winner.
Jordan Jones - 7: Showed flashes of that speed and directness the Green and White Army love and provided a well-timed pass for Evans to score.
Liam Boyce - 6: Held the ball up well and brought others into play but didn't have any chances to show his finishing quality in front of goal.
Substitutes
Kyle Lafferty (for Boyce, 74) - 6: Huge ovation when he came on. Worked hard to unsettle visiting defence.
Gavin Whyte (for McGinn, 74) - 5: Didn't see much of the ball when he was brought on.
Paddy McNair (for C Evans, 88) - 5: Extremely late substitute. Little time to make an impact.
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