Everitt confident Ireland can defy odds one more time

Just because they’re in bonus territory at the Euro 19 finals doesn’t mean Ireland’s young guns are treating today’s semi-final as a free pass. Tom Mohan’s side have already overcome a litany of setbacks, including mass withdrawals and a sickness bug, to set up today’s meeting with holders Portugal.

They will once again have to contend with the early evening Armenian heat for a 6pm local kick-off at the Banants Stadium but with no pressure. That’s the view of Matt Everitt, one of the two 16-year-olds who finished Sunday’s 2-1 win over Czech Republic which sealed their passage.