Georgia 0-0 Republic of Ireland: McCarthy's men labour to dismal draw

Mick McCarthy cut a frustrated figure as his Republic of Ireland side was held to a goalless draw by Georgia, a setback to its qualification hopes.

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy cut a frustrated figure after his team was held to a goalless draw by Georgia.

Republic of Ireland's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2020 suffered a setback on Saturday as it was held to an insipid 0-0 draw away to Georgia.

Mick McCarthy's side remains top of Group D on 12 points, but failure to win in Tbilisi has given Switzerland and Denmark – which it faces in its final two games – hope of reeling them in.

The visitor offered almost no attacking threat in what was a truly woeful display, with John Egan's header against the post early on its only chance of note.

Qualification is still in Ireland's hands but it will need a significantly improved performance when it travels to Switzerland on Tuesday to progress to the finals next year.

Georgia dominated possession throughout the first half but was unable to test Darren Randolph in the Ireland goal.

Valeri Qazaishvili squandered its best opportunity shortly before the interval, dragging wide from 18 yards after a swift counter-attack.

At the other end, Egan headed against Giorgi Loria's left-hand post after four minutes in what was the visitor's only clear sight of goal in a dire opening period.

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Any hopes of an improved performance by Ireland after the break were soon dispelled, with the visitor swiftly settling back into its lacklustre rhythm.

Jeff Hendrick volleyed into the side netting from an acute angle 15 minutes from time as McCarthy's men toiled in attack once more.

Substitute Aaron Connolly fired into the side netting in stoppage time after a quick break, while Shane Duffy headed straight at the goalkeeper, as Ireland fell short of what would have been an undeserved win.

What does it mean? Ireland's hopes in the balance

Ireland remains unbeaten after six games but this will feel like a huge opportunity missed for McCarthy and his men. A win would have meant Ireland could have settled for draws in its final group games, but this result likely makes victory necessary from at least one of its remaining matches against its closest rivals. On this evidence, that will not be an easy task.

Hendrick rises above mediocrity

The Burnley midfielder was comfortably Ireland's brightest spark. His end product was lacking but he brought an energy that was sorely missing from the majority of his team-mates.

Whelan off the pace

Glenn Whelan said this week he moved to Scottish Premiership side Hearts to give himself the best chance of playing in Euro 2020, but McCarthy will be forced to explore other midfield options if he delivers more ineffective performances like this.

What's next?

Ireland faces that crunch clash with Switzerland on Tuesday, while Georgia travel to Gibraltar on the same day.