Under 21's: Cyprus 1 Ireland 1

The Irish have been arriving in Cyprus in increasing numbers ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifying tie and many of them took the opportunity to see Ireland’s future seniors in action.

They saw Cyprus go in front after 30 minutes but an improved performance in the second half produced an equalisng goal from Willo Flood. The Manchester City player, on loan to Coventry, got his head to a right-wing corner from Aiden McGeady after 75 minutes.

It was one of many corners forced by Ireland and the goal came from the third of a rapid-fire three in a row as Cyprus struggled to withstand the Irish assault.

Cyprus were given great encouragement when defender Paul McShane was caught in possession in the 30^th minute and Cyprus broke quickly for Antonis Panayi to beat Wayne Henderson in Ireland’s goal.

Ireland might have taken the lead in the 20^th minute when Jay Tabb flicked a ball on for Aiden McGeady, but the Celtic winger fired his shot narrowly wide of the right-hand post.

Again Ireland were close just before half-time when, from a corner by McGeady, John Fitzgerald was narrowly wide.

Ireland’s team was: Wayne Henderson (Brighton & Hove Albion); Keith Keane (Luton Town), John Fitzgerald (Bury), Paul McShane (Brighton & Hove Albion), Marcus Painter (Birmingham City); Willo Flood (Coventry City), Darren Potter (Liverpool), Joey O’Brien (Bolton Wanderers), Aiden McGeady (Celtic); Stephen Ward (Bohemians), Jay Tabb (Brentford). Subs: Henry McStay (Portadown) for Keane 40, Glen Whelan (Sheffield Wednesday) for O’Brien 46, Karl Birmingham for Ward 74.