Lee O’Connor sealed a highly impressive international debut by sending a perfect cross onto the head of Callum Robinson for the final goal in Ireland’s 3-1 win over New Zealand.
The teenager played the full 90 minutes in the international friendly, looking composed and confident as he grew into the biggest occasion of his career.
Without a single first team appearance, or even a place on the bench at Celtic, O’Connor was pitched into his full international debut on the back of glowing reports in underage international matches.
Lee O’Connor with the cross for Irelands 3rd goal. pic.twitter.com/fle4ghT7Jp
— Li’l Ze (@LilZe85) November 14, 2019
Ireland fell behind to a well-executed goal from Callum McCowatt on the half hour mark but just before the break Derek Williams headed home the equaliser from a corner.
Seven minutes into the second half Preston forward Sean Maguire put Ireland in front with a brilliantly placed shot before substitute Robinson headed the final goal of the night in the 75th minute, 12 minutes after replacing Troy Parrott.
O’Connell will now drop down to the u-21 squad for next week’s European Championship qualifier against Sweden.