Late German strike denies Ireland

Germany 2 Rep of Ireland 2: The Republic of Ireland under-21s have secured an impressive 2-2 draw with Germany in a testing friendly clash in Furth.

A double from Wolves midfielder Stephen Gleeson on his debut put the Irish in charge before a late equaliser by Andreas Beck five minutes from time.

Gleeson was appearing at this level for the first time despite having played for the senior international side on their US tour in May.

Germany had opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Rouwen Hennings scored from the rebound after Irish goalkeeper Darren Randolph failed to hold a shot by Dennis Aogo.

Hennings had headed narrowly wide from a right wing cross by Beck three minutes previously.

Jim O'Brien had a good chance to level in the 31st minute when he got on the end of a Billy Clarke cross but shot into the side-netting.

Adam Rooney also passed up a chance before the Irish eventually were rewarded for their hard work with the equaliser.

Gleeson reacted sharply to intercept a poor pass by Juri Judt and ran through to fire home.

Gleeson then put the visitors ahead in the 64th minute when he found the net from lose range after Eddie Nolan squared the ball following a left wing cross by Billy Clarke.

Germany levelled with five minutes left when Beck got his head to a left wing free-kick by Marc Andre Kruska.