Lee O’Connor and Jonathan Ofalabi have helped Ireland’s u-21 side to an impressive 3-1 win away to Sweden in a European Championship qualifier.
Both players joined Celtic towards the end of the transfer window and have graduated their way through the Irish youth sides.
Former Dunfermline boss Stephen Kenny has breathed fresh life into the entire international set up with the u-19 side reaching the semi-finals of the European Championships during the summer.
After going behind after an hour Ireland missed a penalty in the 63rd minute but deservedly took full points with Troy Parrott (2)Â and Conor Masterton scoring in the 67th and 87th and 90th minutes.
O’Connor and Ofalabi will now begin the task of trying to play their way into the Celtic side as they switch to the Scottish game. On Tuesday Celtic will play Hibs in a reserve team friendly.
Celtic signed O’Connor on deadline day from Manchester United while Ofalabi was released by Southampton at the end of last season.
GET IN THERE!!!!!!!!!!! #IRLU21???????? SCORE!
87 – Sweden 1-2 #IRLU21???????? – MASTERSON! What a header into the net and Ireland lead ????#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/VH1zeZ85Tk
— FAIreland ?????????? (@FAIreland) September 10, 2019
30′ | Sweden 1-0 #IRLU21????????
Ireland have responded well since the hosts went in front, O’Shea and Leahy both saw their headers saved ????
A good performance so far despite the scoreline #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/3uK1EBe7BQ
— FAIreland ?????????? (@FAIreland) September 10, 2019
STARTING XI | Sweden???????? ???? #IRLU21????????
????3? changes to the side which beat Armenia
???? Afolabi, Elbouzedi & Mandroiu all start
???? Ledwidge named on the benchKick-off at 5.30pm (6.30pm local time) ????
The match isn’t on ???? but we will have highlights after the match #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/9A0TT9A0up
— FAIreland ?????????? (@FAIreland) September 10, 2019