Win a must for Irish U19’s

IRELAND U19 boss Paul Doolin admitted his charges were beaten 2-0 by a superior Bosnia and Herzegovina side in Plovdiv, Bulgaria on Saturday which leaves them needing to beat Russia tomorrow to clinch their place in the elite phase.

Ireland had particular difficulty in keeping FC Utrecht striker Marko Maletic in check. The forward’s magnificent drive on 27 minutes left goalkeeper Sean McDermott with no chance for the opener.

Although Anthony Forde forced Kristijan Jajalo into a superb save on the hour, Bosnia and Herzegovina dealt better with the energy-sapping heat and sealed the win with a second by Sanjin Prcic six minutes from the finish.

With Ireland’s conquerors now confirmed as one of the two qualifiers, the boys in green can join them in next spring’s elite round should victory be achieved against a Russian side who have already been beaten in their first two ties.

IRELAND: McDermott (Arsenal); Barker (Bohemians), Byrne (Nottingham Forest), McHugh (Dundalk), Williams (Aston Villa); Carruthers (Aston Villa), O’Sullivan (Blackburn Rovers), Garmston (West Brom); Murray (Watford), C Smith (Watford), Forde (Wolves).

Subs: G Smith (Southend United) for McHugh (63), Burke (Aston Villa) for C Smith (71), George (Celtic) for Carruthers (77).