TREVOR CARSON 6
First cap in 13 months and also his first competitive outing in almost two years. Well beaten by Kakoulli’s header and could do little about the forward’s second goal.
BRODIE SPENCER 6
Read more: Northern Ireland vs Cyprus live score updates from the Nations League
Another energetic display from Huddersfield Town teenager although he’ll be disappointed by Cyprus’s second goal. Had a second-half header blocked inside the area.
DANIEL BALLARD 6.5
Another front foot display from the Arsenal defender who has been one of the few positives of a very disappointing international window.
JONNY EVANS 6.5
Leicester City defender tried to drive the team on as Northern Ireland chased a late response and bagged a late equaliser with his fifth international goal.
CIARON BROWN 6
Cardiff City defender produced a solid shift in the left back role and kept bombing forward as Northern Ireland fought back from 2-0 down.
STEVEN DAVIS 6
Captain sat in front of the back four and recycled the ball. Tried to force the issue after Cyprus goal and forced a palmed save from the keeper before the break.
SHEA CHARLES 6
Manchester City teenager showed some nice touches and always looked to pass forward, but lost Kakoulli for Cyprus’ opening goal. Eventually replaced by Jordan Thompson
PADDY McNAIR 6
Brings so much more to the team from midfield. Should have been awarded a penalty in the early stages and pulled one back with his sixth international goal.
CONOR McMENAMIN 6
Dynamic and direct display from the Glentoran winger who showed a real appetite for the game. Forced a near post save from Christodoulou before the break.
SHAYNE LAVERY 5.5
Foraged off the right wing but it’s hard to argue he’s not a bigger threat through the middle. His substitution on the hour mark was booed by a section of Northern Ireland fans.
KYLE LAFFERTY 5.5
Worked hard and tested the Cypriot goalkeeper with a driven effort from distance as Northern Ireland chased a response to going behind. Eventually replaced by Dion Charles.
REPLACEMENTS
JORDAN THOMPSON (for Charles, 59th) 6.5
GAVIN WHYTE (for Lavery, 59th) 6
CONOR BRADLEY (for Spencer, 69th) 6.5
DION CHARLES (for Lafferty, 69th) 6
NIALL McGINN (for McMenamin 69th) 6
CYPRUS: Christodoulou, Gogic, Kyriakou, Christofi, Panayioutou, Kakoulli (Katelaris 78), Artyamatas, Laifis (Ioannou 69th), Kastanos, Tzioni (Papoulis 58), Pittas (Panayiotou 46).
REFEREE: Ricardo De Burgos (Spain)
Read more: Martin O'Neill thanks legendary NI boss Billy Bingham for gifting him "incredibly special" times
Read more: Billy Bingham and Northern Ireland squad captured in rare footage from 1982 World Cup
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