Collins stars in impressive Ireland display

NATHAN Collins scored a superb solo goal at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź last night as the Republic of Ireland senior men’s team drew 1-1 with Ukraine in Group One of UEFA Nations League B.

Collins is a Cherry Orchard youth graduate and the nephew of former St Patrick’s Athletic manager Eamonn Collins.

After pushing forward to intercept a Ukrainian pass in the 31st minute, he glided past two challenges before producing an outstanding finish with the outside of his right boot.

Artem Dovbyk’s early second-half goal ultimately denied the Republic a second victory in the Nations League, but their response to back-to-back reversals against Armenia (away) and Ukraine (home) has put them in a much better place.

Aside from Collins and Tallaght man Stephen Kenny, there was local interest in the form of Templeogue’s Dara O’Shea, who lined up alongside Collins and Darragh Lenihan in the back-three.

Ireland were expected to encounter a much tougher test than the one offered up by Scotland in the Aviva four days earlier and goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher was forced into a couple of fine opening-period saves.

Yet Ireland had good opportunities outside of Collins’ wonder finish and were taking the game to the Ukrainians on a regular basis.

There will be some disappointment at the manner of how their opponents got back into the game, but given how this international window started, a share of the spoils with Ukraine is something that Kenny can be more than satisfied with.