UEFA UNDER-17 CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS/Republic of Ireland 1 Spain 3:DESPITE IRELAND conceding six goals in losing all three games at these finals, Seán McCaffrey believes goalkeeper Gerard Hanley is one for the future.
While injuries, illness, and unkind fate against France and Switzerland hampered Ireland, in truth they can have few complaints; France and , in particular, Spain - whom McCaffrey tips to meet again in Friday's final - were technically far superior.
There were several positives. Right-back Pádraig Ormsby, central defenders Mark Connolly and John Dunleavy; midfielders Richie Towell, Gearóid Morrissey and Conor Hourihane all showed real promise, and Hanley was Ireland's player of the tournament.
From Galway, Hanley plays with Salthill Devon and is keen to remain at home until the summer of next year to complete his Leaving Certificate. He has already turned down the offer of a contract from Aberdeen.
"Without boasting, Ger Hanley has been the best keeper I've seen here all week," said McCaffrey. "He's been absolutely superb. He had a great three matches."
Substitute Ruben Rochina scored twice as Spain came from behind at the Mardan Stadium.
Ireland began well and Hourihane drilled home from skipper Conor Clifford's pass to give them a 15th minute lead.
A half-time replacement, Rochina shot home from Keko's lay-off to equalise within five minutes.
Ten minutes later Rochina drove a free-kick low to the Irish net after Gavin Gunning was booked for a foul on Adria Carmona on the edge of the area.
Ireland responded well and Hourihane crashed a shot off the crossbar before substitute Robbie Brady blazed over when he should have levelled on 61 minutes.
Rochina set up Keke to seal Spain's win with a third goal on 71 minutes.
Group B winners Spain meet Holland in tomorrow's semi-finals, and France meet hosts Turkey.
IRELAND: Hanley (Salthill Devon); Ormsby (Crumlin Utd), Dunleavy (Wolves), Connolly (Wolves), Gunning (Blackburn); Towell (Celtic); Doran (Blackburn), Clifford (Chelsea), Hourihane (Sunderland), Cunningham (Manchester City); Murphy (Ipswich Town). Subs: Brady (Manchester United) for Gunning (56 mins), Joyce (Belvedere) for Cunningham (80 mins).
SPAIN: Diaz; Montoya, Pulido, Gaztanaga, Martinez; Sielva, Alcantaro, Lopez, Carmona; Garcia, Keke. Subs: Canales and Rochina for Lopez and Garcia (both half-time), Gavilan for Alcantaro (60 mins).
Referee: Tero Nieminen (Finland).
