AS Don Givens pointed out afterwards, the scoreboard reads badly but even so, he will be wondering this morning how Ireland did not manage to eke out a point from an entertaining opening salvo in Group Two of the European Championship qualifying campaign.

DON GIVENS yesterday branded Eamon Dunphy a “clown” for the pundit’s charge that his period in charge of the Irish U-21s has been “disastrous and he should be shown the door”.

Rep of Ireland U-21 2 Spain U-21 1

ANTHONY STOKES remains in the international wilderness after the on-loan Sheffield United striker was once again left out of a Don Givens Under 21 squad.