Ireland U18s take win over Georgia

Republic of Ireland 3 Georgia 1

Glasgow Celtic pair Graham Carey and Paul Cahillane shared the goal-scoring as the Republic of Ireland beat Georgia 3-1 in an U18 international today in Mafra, Lisbon.

Ireland are taking part in a tournament with hosts Portugal, Georgia and Belgium as all four teams prepare for next season’s UEFA Championship qualifiers at U19 level.

Portugal won the other match today, beating Belgium 3-0. Ireland will play Belgium tomorrow and if they win their final match against Portugal on Sunday will be the tournament decider.

Ireland led 1-0 at half-time after Carey opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Georgia fought back to regain equality early in the second half but a second goal for Carey and another from club-mate Cahillane saw Ireland open the tournament on an encouraging note.

This match afforded Ireland’s manager, Sean McCaffrey, an opportunity of bringing a new selection together. He will continue to look at all of the players who are eligible for next season’s UEFA Championship between now and September.

The only downside to today’s win was a red card for goal-scorer Carey late in the game.