Ireland under-21s make short work of Lithuania

Rep of Ireland 3-0 Lithuania

The Republic of Ireland under-21s have taken an early lead in their Uefa Championship qualification group after three goals saw off Lithuania at the Waterford RSC on Friday night.

Oxford United’s Callum O’Dowda broke the resistance of the group’s basement team on 27 minutes by volleying Ireland ahead, before goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas allowed Conor Wilkinson’s low drive to slip through his grasp two minutes later.

Preston North End's Alan Browne added the third 13 minutes from the end with a brilliant volley after controlling a left-wing cross from Sean Kavanagh.

After following up back-to-back victories over Andorra, this win puts Noel King's side in good spirits heading into Tuesday's daunting test against top seeds Italy in Vincenza.

Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane, fresh from Thursday night's heroic win over Germany, were amongst the 1,520 spectators in the south-east and they were treated to an encouraging display by the young contenders for their senior squad.