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).