Missing the likes of the injured defensive pair Paul McShane and Marcus Painter and the team captain, Arsenal youngster Patrick Cregg, and with Joey O’Brien and Aiden McGeady selected for the under-21 and senior squads respectively, McCaffrey had to make to with a team that included just three of the side that defeated Russia in last October’s first phase qualifier.
Nevertheless, the Irish teens were in top form against their Norwegian counterparts, dominating the first half and taking the lead moments before the break through Ipswich Town forward Billy Clarke (pictured), who got on the end of a cross by rampaging Huddersfield Town winger James Hand.
|
Five minutes into the second half, Chelsea youngster James Simmons – introduced at half-time for his Irish debut – sprinted onto Andrew Keogh’s through ball to make it 2-0.
The Irish made it three five minutes from the end, subs Leon Best of Southampton and Reading’s Jonathan Hayes combining well in attack for the latter to slot home.
Rep of Ireland under-19: Randolph (Charlton Athletic) – Dicker (UCD), Elebert (Preston North End), R. Keogh (Stoke City), Binnion (Sheffield United) – Hand (Huddersfield Town), Gibson (Manchester United), Kelly (Unattached), Morris (Leeds United) – A. Keogh (Leeds United), Clarke (Ipswich Town). Subs: Simmons (Chelsea) for J.P. Kelly, Best (Southampton) for Clarke, Hayes (Reading) for A. Keogh.
|
