Scoring 10 goals in two games against Belgium at Belfield over the weekend, the Irish under-21 squad can feel well tuned, but not complacent, for the European Junior Championship (B division) which gets under way in Padua in a week's time.
The 5-1 victory over a side with A division status, in the official international on Saturday was followed up in yesterday's additional match with a 5-2 win, achieved with all the reserves on duty and a recovery from a 2-1 deficit early in the second half.
Justin Sherriff struck twice within three minutes to regain the initiative (3-2) and Sherriff's quick-fire shooting was also a feature on Saturday when he notched two goals from open play. He also created chances from short corners from which Chris Jackson and Brian Waring were sharp in adding the finishing touches.
Also on the target, in the closing stages yesterday, were the industrious Jason Black and Garry Ringwood, with a classic goal in the final minute. The incisive Graham Shaw, too, did much to undermine the Belgian defence.
Equally encouraging was the assurance and rhythm of the squad as a whole, notably the readiness of Colin Clarke to step with composure into the back four in the second game. Goalkeeper Charlie Henderson (brother of senior international Nigel) made a sturdy international debut at under-21 level when Dale McNeill had the misfortune to pull a calf muscle in warming up on Saturday. Glen Bailey, who was summoned to play in the second half yesterday, is now on standby for the trip to Italy.
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