World Cup Qualifier: Ireland in control at break

HT: Estonia U21 0 Republic of Ireland U21 1

Graham Barrett’s first international goal in nine appearances was scant reward for the Republic of Ireland’s first-half domination of Estonia in their European Under-21 Championship qualifier in Tallinn tonight.

Arsenal striker Barrett hit the target after only seven minutes, crisply heading home a fine cross from impressive winger Tommy Butler of Sunderland.

But the Irish, who were never tested in defence by a side at the bottom of the table and still without a point, should have added to their tally before the interval.

Shaun Byrne twice went close and Estonia’s goalkeeper Pavel Kisseljov made a fine save from Stephen Reid’s 25-yard drive.

But in the last four minutes of the half Clinton Morrison, the new Republic striker from Crystal Palace, should have grabbed a brace.

First he skied his short-range jab over the bar from Reid’s corner and then struck a post when it looked easier to score from another brilliant set up by Butler.