Ten-man Ireland salvage point

Georgia U21s 1 Republic of Ireland 21s 1

Don Givens’ brave youngsters fought back to earn a draw despite being reduced to 10 men against Georgia – but it may not be enough to revive their hopes of reaching next year’s European Championship finals.

Ireland fell behind after 19 minutes when goalkeeper Graham Stack conceded a free-kick for handling outside his area and Lado Akhalaia headed home the set piece.

Nottingham Forest’s Andrew Reid was sent off after 32 minutes when he took a free-kick before the referee had blown his whistle – having picked up his first booking a minute earlier for fighting.

But substitute Noel Hunt, of Dunfermline, salvaged some pride six minutes before the end when he headed home a cross from fellow substitute Kevin O’Connor.