Irish U-21's lose in Albania

Albania 1 Ireland 0

Don Givens' Irish Under-21 side wasted the chance to record their first win in the European Championship qualifying campaign as they dominated against Albania but conceded a breakaway goal to slump to their third defeat in four matches.

Graham Barrett looked lively on his record-equalling 20th appearance, and he set up Liam Miller for Ireland’s best chance after 29 minutes, but the Celtic man’s finish was disappointing – although he nearly redeemed himself when he struck a late free-kick against a post.

The goal came in the 71st minutes when substitute Erion Rizvanolli was first to a long through ball and chipped it over the advancing Graham Stack and into an empty net.