After the impressive outing against Belgium on Saturday, as Ireland held the world's number one to a draw, there was less to shout about as Lithuania came to town on Tuesday.
A last-minute winner from substitute Troy Parrott, a stunning strike, was required as Ireland laboured against a side who set their stall out to defend deep, and they succeeded for the most part.
Here's how the players rated:
Caoimhín Kelleher 6
The Cork stopper’s third international start and, remarkably, it’s the second time he hasn’t had to make a single save. The Liverpool keeper’s set position for most of the game was about 30 yards from goal, which sums up his evening, though he fielded any set piece that came his way confidently.
Nathan Collins 8
A very impressive first start from the Burnley man, who made his tackles and was a constant presence in the Lithuanian half. One particularly good second-half run saw him outstrip his man with ease and he was unlucky not to yield more.
John Egan 6
The Sheffield United centre half captained the side and did all that could be expected of him in his more familiar club position at the centre of the back three. Got in one key block in the second half when the ball broke to Utkus in the box, and was unfortunate to see his last-minute header met with a super save.
Dara O’Shea 5
Showcased his versatility by lining up on his weaker side on the left of the back three, but was hooked for James McClean on the hour as he struggled to impact the game in the same way Collins did on the other side. Having only recently returned from injury, he will have more chances to impress,
Matt Doherty 6
A mixed evening for the Tottenham Hotspur wing back, who had little to do in defence and one impressive solo run into the box in the second half should have resulted in the opening goal. Guilty of a couple of wayward shots in the second half when there were better options presenting themselves.
Alan Browne 7
A good performance in difficult circumstances for the Preston North End captain as Ireland were frequently outnumbered two-to-one in midfield, but he managed to effect the game and showed his value on the defensive side too with some impressive tracking back and tackling.
Conor Hourihane 5
Another man who’s dropped down the pecking order in recent months but he’ll be frustrated not to have done justice. It was his cross that eventually led to the game’s only goal, but his set-pieces and crossing were otherwise poor. His willingness to show for the ball and make angles to deliver shows he still has a role in the team.
Ryan Manning 6
The Swansea City defender will be satisfied after making his first appearance in a year, and he showed his versatility by moving from left wing back to centre back, where he plays with his club, when O’Shea was withdrawn. Had a couple of decent early shots and supplied the pass for the first disallowed goal.
Chiedozie Ogbene 6
A difficult night for the Rotherham United man, who found the low block of Lithuania more of a challenge to break down than previous games, though he did have a goal disallowed in either half. His teammates seemed to put the onus on him to create and he needed more help.
Callum Robinson 4
The West Bromwich Albion striker has had some memorable nights in the green jersey but this wasn’t one of them. Moved to a deeper role to accommodate Will Keane, he struggled to create and his night was summed up when he was at fault for Hourihane’s strike being chalked off for offside.
Will Keane 3
Not a good first start for the Wigan Athletic man, who will need more time to get used to this level. Didn’t link up enough with his strike partners and was too often beaten in the air for a man of his height before being hooked after an hour.
Troy Parrott 9
Talk about impacting a game positively from the bench. Quite apart from the stunning finish for the winner, Parrott’s touch is a step above his teammates and his willingness to drop between the lines to receive the ball is something that had been missing. One exquisite reverse pass to James McClean deserved a goal in the run to Ogbene’s second disallowed goal.
James McClean 7
Gave an indication of why so many managers have trusted him at this level as he increased the tempo on the left side when he replaced O’Shea. The Wigan Athletic man’s pace and power remains a huge asset and he had the beating of his man every time he ran at the Lithuania defence.
Scott Hogan 6
The Birmingham City striker hasn’t had much of a chance to impress at international level but his movement after replacing Robinson was clever and he’ll curse himself for going a fraction too early when he saw a tidy finish chalked off for offside.
Jeff Hendrick 6
A man rejuvenated under Stephen Kenny and he was another factor in the tempo shift as he replaced the tiring Browne. Showed some nice touches and looked to move the ball forward quickly.
Jason Knight 6
Not much time for the Derby County man to impress but he was busy in his cameo and played a key role in keeping the ball alive in injury time as Ireland sought the eventual winner.
