THE Republic of Ireland under 18 side opened their bid to win a four nation tournament in Oporto, Portugal, yesterday with a well deserved 1-1 draw against France.

The Irish were forced to come from behind after they gave away a dreadful goal after only 14 minutes. Goalkeeper Paul Whelan's clearance rebounded off the French centre forward and ended in the back of the net.

Ireland equalised half an hour into the second half when Barry Conlon of QPR bundled the ball over the line after the French goalkeeper dropped a cross from Lee Boylan of West Ham.

Five minutes from the finish, Boylan should have won the game but he headed wide from just five yards. Ireland deserved a better result than the draw as they were rarely tested by the French.

They play host nation Portugal in their second match today before meeting Russia on Saturday. Tomorrow is a rest day.