Pierce Charles: 6
Selected once again to start instead of Bailey Peacock-Farrell, the Sheffield Wednesday glove man had little major action, similar to last Friday’s Windsor Park victory over Belarus – until Luxembourg’s goal by Seid Korac which he should have kept out.
Ruairi McConville: 7
Deployed in place of the suspended Ciaron Brown, the Brighton player was one of two changes. Performed very well until the late surge by the Red Lions, who came back to draw.
Daniel Ballard: 7
Kept things tidy and helped organise the defence during a brief Luxembourg flurry towards the end of the first half. A natural leader, he will feel the frustration of Northern Ireland yielding to a draw more than most.
Trai Hume: 8
Was ever attentive against wily Luxembourg danger man Daniel Sinani. On the form he has shown in recent games, few forwards will relish a task against the consistently robust Sunderland man.
Brodie Spencer: 7
Northern Ireland’s Brodie Spencer with Luxembourg’s Laurent Jans
On the left side of a back four on this occasion, was booked for a clumsy challenge on Christopher Martins at the end of the first half. Was generally solid alongside his streetwise defensive team-mates for the majority of the tie.
Shea Charles: 8
Northern Ireland’s Shea Charles with Luxembourg’s Christopher Martins
His second outing as captain indicates the potential for long-term leadership in O’Neill’s mind, along with the likes of Ballard and Conor Bradley. An effortless, delightful assist for Isaac Price’s goal opened up Luxembourg.
Ali McCann: 7
Northern Ireland’s Ali McCann with Luxembourg’s Danel Sinani
Aggressive going forward, alongside Shea Charles as Northern Ireland took control in the first half. Regressed slightly as the game wore on.
Conor Bradley: 9
Northern Ireland’s Conor Bradley celebrates scoring against Luxembourg
Another industrious night in a Northern Ireland jersey and the Liverpool ace tended to get the better of counterpart Florian Bohnert. Terrific header at the far post to double the lead and could have added a third goal.
Isaac Price: 9
Northern Ireland’s Isaac Price celebrates scoring against Luxembourg
Playing on the left of a three-pronged Norn Iron attack, the Standard Liege man stroked in a sublime 19th minute goal. Fluffed a fine chance to double the lead on the stroke of the interval.
Ethan Galbraith: 7
Northern Ireland’s Ethan Galbraith with Luxembourg’s Micheal Pinto
Came in for Paul Smyth for a first international start in an attacking right sided role. Caused momentary concern for Luxembourg’s defence early on and was unlucky not to score a third goal with a fizzing shot.
Dion Charles: 7
Northern Ireland’s Dion Charles with Luxembourg’s Laurent Jans
A persistent display, up against physical Luxembourg defender Seid Korac. Hustled his opponents as Northern Ireland looked to cause more damage in an excellent second half.
Michael O’Neill: 9
The manager will be frustrated but yet pleased in a wider sense after Northern Ireland won Nations League Group C3. His faith in such a young, athletic, hard-working squad was vindicated, until the last twenty minutes when levels dipped. Players are now flourishing under his charge, which is great news ahead of next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
Subs
George Saville: On for McCann in 75 minutes to add more energy late on.
Jamie Reid: Came on for Dion Charles in the latter stages as Northern Ireland conceded an equaliser.
Paul Smyth: Came on with a couple of minutes to go for Galbraith to add needed pace.
Justin Devenny: The Crystal Palace midfielder replaced Price in the closing moments for his full international debut.
Subs not used: Josh Magennis, Brad Lyons, Kofi Balmer, Lee Bonis, Callum Marshall, Jordan Thompson, Luke Southwood (GK)