Doolin delight as U19’s through to Euro finals

IRELAND U19 manager Paul Doolin lauded his squad last night after they beat Italy to reach the European Championship finals in July.

Knowing that only victory against the group leaders would suffice to qualify for the Romania-hosted finals, the Irish sped into a first-half lead through Conor Murphy, which was added to by goals from substitute Sean Murray and Joe Shaughnessy

The shock result was too much for favourites Italy to take as Inter Milan defender Cristiano Biraghi’s last minute dismissal was followed by another red card for Mario Sampirisi in stoppage-time.

“To finish the three games against top opposition at the elite phase as group winners without even conceding a goal is a fantastic feat for the players,” said Doolin. “We had a game-plan against Italy and it worked. I felt we were much the better side and, apart from short period at the start when Italy created a couple of chances, we showed the more attacking threat of the sides.”

Bray Wanderers’ striker Murphy grabbed the crucial breakthrough on 32 minutes with a lob and though the Italians looked dangerous, their hopes vanished on the hour with a superb second Irish goal from substitute Murray following a Kevin Knight cross.

Aberdeen first-teamer Shaughnessy killed the game off with the third goal following a headed knockdown by Murphy.

IRELAND: McCarey (Wolves); Doherty (Wolves), Shaughnessy (Aberdeen), Egan (Sunderland), Williams (Aston Villa); Walker (Wrexham), O’Sullivan (Blackburn Rovers), Hendrick (Derby County), Carruthers (Aston Villa); Forde (Wolves), Murphy (Bray Wanderers).

Subs: Knight (Leicester City) for Forde (h/t), Murray (Watford) for Walker (48), Lopez (Bohemians) for Carruthers (90)