Local hero saves Irish U-21s with late goal

Republic of Ireland U-21 2, Germany U-21 2

It was the perfect boost for U-21 manager Don Givens, as the Irish prepare to take on UEFA U-21 Championship qualifying rivals Albania in Longford on Friday night, and then Georgia at Kilkenny's Buckley Park the following Tuesday.

Germany, coached by former internationals Uli Stielike and his assistant Horst Hrubesch, will be have been pleased to have been given such a rigorous workout ahead of their U-21 qualifier against Scotland in Kilmarnock on Friday night.