Republic of Ireland 0 Germany 7 (Uefa U17 Championship finals): Ireland boss Colin O’Brien is certain his side can improve for Saturday’s Euro quarter-final against England after getting what he admitted was a “second chance” in Croatia.

Embracing history but charting a new path is the message for Ireland’s U17s hopefuls from their manager Colin O’Brien as they begin their Euro finals odyssey against Serbia in Croatia today.

Cork City’s Brian Lenihan is refusing to let rumours of a cross-channel transfer affect his concentration.

It was the first penalty miss of young Adam O’Reilly’s schoolboy soccer career, but it has gained him widespread acclaim.

Growing anger amongst Cork schoolboy clubs with the FAI has morphed into action as they last night withdrew from the Schoolboy Football Association of Ireland (SFAI) cups.