Irish youths open Japan tournament in style

THE Republic of Ireland U17s kicked off the Toyota International Youth Championships in Japan with a comfortable 3-0 victory over hosts Nagoya Grampus Eight and High Schools.

Eddie Nolan headed Ireland in front in the 38th minute and Ireland made it 2-0 in the 50th minute when Alan Judge scored with a cracking shot after a fine move involving Karl Moore and Robert Bayly. In the 70th minute Nolan powered the ball home to seal the game.

Ireland: Henderson (Aston Villa); Madden (Leeds United), Nolan (Blackburn Rovers), Maloney (Killarney Athletic), McKeever (Cherry Orchard); Connellan (St Francis Athlone), Bayly (Leeds United), Gleeson (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Treacy (Blackburn Rovers); Purcell (Belvedere), Judge (St Josephs Boys).

Subs: Quigley (Stoke City) for McKeever, Ryan (Liverpool) for Gleeson (both half time), Moore (St Kevin's Boys) for Connellan (45 mins), Kiely (Aberdeen) for Purcell (60 mins), Power (Crumlin United) for Bayly (70 mins), Garvan (Ipswich Town) for Treacy (75 mins).