Paul George was the Ireland hero as the Celtic striker made a scoring debut to snatch a point in the 2-2 draw with Denmark.
The Belfast bhoy was a 65th minute substitute for Kenny McEvoy and came up with a last minute equaliser in the opening match of the elite qualifying round for the u-17 European Championships to be held in May.
Arsenal’s Phil Roberts opened the scoring in the 29th minute but the Danes equalised with a penalty from Viktor Fisher on the stroke of half time.
Copenhagen striker Kenneth Zohore, who has played in the Champions League against Barcelona and Chelsea this season, put the Danes ahead with three minutes left to play but in stoppage time George connected with a cross from Roberts to earn a draw.
“I’m delighted for Paul George to mark his first game with us with a goal,” Irish coach John Morling admitted. “It was an excellent goal too after great play by Philip Roberts down the wing.
“We played very in the first half but the penalty decision was crucial. I’ve looked at the replay of it and I really can’t see how a penalty could be awarded for that challenge.
“The lads were very disappointed at the break because we’d played very well but were just level.
“Both sides had plenty of chances and it looked like Denmark had won it when they scored with a few minutes left but we showed real character to bounce back and level.
“Denmark were as good as any team we’ve played this year. That includes the likes of Italy, Portugal, Holland and the Czech Republic so I’m happy with the performance.”
Ireland’s next match is on Friday against hosts Greece who beat Latvia 2-0 today.
IRELAND Joe Coll (Man Utd); Colm Horgan (Salthill Devon), Sean Kavanagh (Belvedere), Thommie Hoban (Watford), Steven Smith (Arsenal), Luke Gallagher (Cherry Orchard), Kenneth McEvoy (Tottenham), Darragh Lenihan (Belvedere), Philip Roberts (Arsenal), Kealan Dillon (Derby County), Sam Byrne (St Joseph’s Boys). Sub: Paul George (Celtic) for McEvoy 65 mins.
Shameful ignorance of Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill.
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