Harsh lessons for Ireland’s U-17s along Euro route

Ireland’s U-17s are getting the tough tests they need ahead of hosting next summer’s Euro Finals, after suffering a second defeat in four days yesterday.

Colin O’Brien’s side had recovered from an interval deficit to the Czech Republic in their Uefa friendly tournament game to go 2-1 up, only to concede twice again in the final half-hour.

Eight changes were made to the team beaten 3-1 by England and they went behind on the half hour.

From losing the ball inside their half Ireland were slow to react, leaving David Pech to roam into the area and fire past Harry Halwax.

The turnaround was kick-started four minutes after the restart by Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, who made it 1-1 with a looping volley.

Sean Kennedy completed a flowing move two minutes later to put Ireland ahead.

The teams were level when Filip Silhart smashed in a penalty, before Ireland got caught in stoppage time as Pech stole it.

Ireland complete their mini-tournament on Wednesday against Germany at Tallaght Stadium (1.0).

IRELAND – Halwax (Derby County); Dunne (Shamrock Rovers), Kelly (Shamrock Rovers), Garcia-MacNulty (Real Betis), Considine (Bohemians); K Martin-Conway (St Patrick’s Ath), Keogh (Southampton), Healy (Ipswich Town); Giurgi (Norwich City), Everitt (Brighton & Hove Albion), Kennedy (Southampton). Subs: McKinley (Derry City), for Martin-Conway, F Ebosele (Derby County) for Giurgi, Carty (Wolves) for Everitt (all 46), Turner (Aberdeen) for Kelly (62).

Irish Independent