McAuley helps see Ireland through to Under 17 Finals

TALLAGHT’S Glen McAuley played a significant role in the Republic of Ireland Under 17 team’s qualification for the UEFA Championships Finals in Cyprus.

The Liverpool striker fired home the only goal in their victory over Slovakia that effectively secured the team further passage to the Finals in May.

Colin O’Brien’s side made a blistering start to their campaign, beating Faroe Islands 4-0.

Aaron Connolly twice found the back of the net in the first half, Cherry Orchard’s Nathan Collins setting him up for his first with a sublime long delivery.

McAuley, together with Lee O’Connor, helped orchestrate his second before Adam Idah made it 3-0 just after the halftime break and Jordan Doherty tucked away their fourth.

With Slovakia having beaten hosts Cyprus 2-1 in their opening fixture, they were always likely to provide Ireland with a much tougher test.

In the end McAuley’s goal proved the difference, the Tallaght man applying the finishing touch to a swift counter attack with just 14 minutes remaining.

“Glen McAuley did well to get behind their defence and finish well and we did what was required to see the game out,” said O’Brien after the match. “I felt we deserved the win on the day,” he added.

The team then made it a clean sweep in this phase when they beat Cyprus 2-0, Connolly firing home a brace to ensure they finished top of the pool.

St Patrick’s Athletic’s Brian Maher played in goal for all three of Ireland’s games while clubmates Luke Nolan and Richie O’Farrell together with Shamrock Rovers defender Aaron Bolger were also included in the squad.