Manager Kenny upbeat despite crushing defeat

Ireland’s U17 girls were not giving up their Euro dream last night despite suffering a crushing defeat to France in their opening UEFA Elite Stage qualifier in Oslo yesterday.

Manager Harry Kenny was assistant to former boss Noel King two seasons ago when the U17s became the first Irish women’s side to qualify for a major finals but the odds of him leading this side to Nyon in May now look remote.

The Irish held their own on the artificial surface of the Briskebyen Stadium up until midway through the second half when France hit three goals in the space of 10 minutes.