Imortal DC Albufeira 2 Rep of Ireland 5:MANCHESTER United striker Sam Byrne was the standout player for the Republic of Ireland Under-17s in last night's victory over Imortal DC Albufeira.
John Morling’s squad are in the Algarve for a week-long training camp as preparation for the Uefa elite stage qualifiers in Holland from 22-27 March. They play another friendly tomorrow against Louletano DC (4pm).
Naas native Byrne, who netted in United’s FA Youth Cup demolition of Swansea City last week, fired Ireland ahead on nine minutes when he raced clear to apply a cool finish.
The local side drew level eleven minutes later through their playmaker Pele, who left Leeds United goalkeeper Eric Grimes helpless with a ferocious shot into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Byrne took only two minutes of the second half to restore Ireland’s lead as he headed home a Jack Grealish cross and Grealish made it 3-1 direct from a corner. Millwall’s Conor Wilkinson, on as a substitute, added two late goals either side of Jorge Silva’s consolation for the hosts.
REP OF IRELAND U-17: Grimes (Leeds Utd); McConnell (Letterkenny Rovers), McFadden (Norwich City), Lewis (Aston Villa), Coyne (Cherry Orchard); McCarthy (Skibbereen), Leddy (Ipswich), Mulroney (Crumlin Utd); O'Neill (Wolves), Byrne (Man Utd), Grealish (Aston Villa). Subs: Wilkinson (Millwall) for O'Neill, Long (Cherry Orchard) for Lewis (both h/t), O'Sullivan (Home Farm) for Grealish, Daly (QPR) for McCarthy (both 70).
