Any lingering hopes that Troy Parrott could play for the Republic of Ireland in the Under-17 European Championships could have disappeared tonight.

OVER the last few weeks, we’ve seen two aberrations. First, in the Under-17 European Championships in Slovenia, Germany lost a penalty shoot-out. Worse, they lost it to the Dutch — a country with a dreadful record from 12 yards.

RHYS MURPHY marked his international comeback with the winning goal as Ireland’s Under-21 European Championship qualifying campaign got off to a brilliant start.

Ireland have moved closer to qualifying for the under-17 European Championships after beating Slovenia 3-0 at Belfield Park last night.