David McMahon and David Warren provided the goals as Brian Kerr's under-16 side got the perfect boost prior to next month's UEFA qualifying tournament in Northern Ireland by beating Scotland at Richmond Park last night.

Ireland had the ideal start with a goal after just eight minutes. A clearance by Scottish goalkeeper Mark Browne was headed forward by Ireland's Keith Foy and flicked on by Gary Dempsey for David McMahon, who appeared in a distinctly offside position. But the flag stayed down and McMahon calmly volleyed the ball into the net.

Scotland, however, settled well and by half-time looked the more composed and organised side. Nevertheless, they created just two half chances before the break and failed to convert them.

Ireland came much more into the game in the last 15 minutes and substitutes Paul Loughlin and David Warren made the difference. On 74 minutes, Loughlin's corner was headed off the underside of the crossbar by Warren and adjudged to have crossed the line.

Ireland U-16: Murphy (Tranmere Rovers); Rossiter (Galway Utd), Goodwin (Celtic), O'Callaghan (Pike Rovers), Foy (Nottingham Forest); Byrne (West Ham Utd), O'Shea (Bohemians, Waterford); McGill (Rivervalley Rangers), Reid (Newcastle Utd); McMahon (Newcastle Utd), Dempsey (Everton). Subs: Millar (Celtic) and Martin (Leeds Utd) for O'Callaghan and Rossiter, half-time; Warren (Mayfield, Cork) for Byrne, 61 mins; Loughlin (Wolves) for Reid, 69 mins; O'Connor (Peterborough Utd) for Murphy, 76 mins.

Scotland U-16: Browne (Rangers); Cocozza (Celtic), Ross (Rangers), Murray (Dundee Utd), Doig (Nottingham Forest); Keogh (Celtic), McHale (Rangers), Gibson (Rangers), McCann (Celtic); O'Brien (St Mirren), Kerr (Scottish Schools). Subs: Crainey (Celtic) and Kilgannon (Middlesbrough) for Murray and Keogh, half-time; Goldie (Hearts) for McCann, 67 mins; Kelly (Rangers) for Kerr, 71 mins. Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).