Connolly's class keeps Ireland in the hunt ahead of Tel Aviv summit

A first major finals place for the country's U21s will hinge on return leg in Israel and returning striker proves it's all to play for

Constant threat: Aaron Connolly of Republic of Ireland shoots at goal during the UEFA European U21 Championship play-off first leg match between Republic of Ireland and Israel at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Republic of Ireland U21s 1 Israel U21s 1 

Not the result that the Republic of Ireland wanted in the first leg of this Euro 2023 playoff, even more so with Israel playing with ten men down the homeward stretch, but a first major finals at this U21 grade remains within their grasp.