Ireland U17s open with a draw

Iceland 1 Rep of Ireland 1

Arsenal youngster Anthony Stokes rescued a point for Republic of Ireland Under-17s as they began their UEFA Championship first phase Group 3 qualifiers with a draw.

Stokes, who bagged a brace in a 2-1 win over Turkey last year, netted on the half hour as the Irish fought back in Sternberg, Germany.

Arnor Smarson made little of the Irish defence when opening the Nordic side's account on 20 minutes, but 10 minutes later Stokes followed up good work from Robert Bayly to level.

Afterwards manager Sean McCaffrey admitted it was a fair result.

"We played well for the first 10 minutes and for the last ten and created some chances with Keith Treacy and Anthony both going close but we didn’t deserve to win the game," said the Monaghan man.

"We did play the better football, but I think a draw was a fair result."

The Irish next face hosts Germany, who beat Lithuania 4-0 on Saturday.

Republic of Ireland: Henderson; Davis, Moloney, Nolan, Quigley; Ryan, Gleeson, Bayly, Treacy; Stokes, Kiely.

Subs: Downes for Kiely (55 mins), Dunphy for Ryan (70), Power for Bayly (77)