Lee O’Connor kept Ireland on course for a place at the finals of the u-21 European Championships with Stephen Kenny’s side getting a 0-0 draw with Italy in front of over 7,000 fans at the Tallagh Stadium.
After winning their opening three matches the draw with Italy ended Ireland’s 100% record but after a lull at that level it appears that there are a number of players emerging with O’Connell also involved in the summer when the u-19’s reached the semi-finals of the European Championships.
The 19-year-old switched to Celtic from Manchester United on transfer deadline day with international football a key part of his development.
With Aaron Connolly of Brighton promoted to Mick McCarthy’s full international squad the u-21 side were short on a scoring threat but a clean sheet at the back keeps the side on track ahead of two away matches against Iceland on Tuesday before heading for Armenia next month followed by the home tie with Sweden.
Republic of Ireland: Kelleher (GK), O’Connor, Masterson, O’Shea, Coventry, Elbouzedi (Obafemi 68), Molumby (C) (Kilkenny 85), Idah, Parrott, Ronan (Knight 62), Scales.
Italy: Carnesecca (GK), Pellegrini, Tonali, Bastoni, Frattesi, Carraro (Sottil 68), Pinamonti (Cutrone 46), (Scamacca 46) Del Prato, Marchizza (Adjapong 23), Locatelli (C).
