Republic of Ireland 1
New Zealand 1
Netherlands 1
Nigeria 0
Canada 2
Republic of Ireland 1 - 0 Armenia
REPORT: Ireland 1-0 Armenia - Parrott strike secures win
Troy Parrott's first-half strike, in his first appearance at the age level, secured the three points in front of 3658 at Tallaght Stadium. Ireland controlled the game from start to finish as Adam Idah fired wide in the opening stages and Parrott missed the target from close range in the opening 15 minutes of the game.
Stephen Kenny's side eventually went ahead through Parrott, but it was the industrious Aaron Connolly who masterminded the goal. Connolly picked up the ball on the half-way line before he drove down the left, cut back and found Parrott in space to finish on the half-hour.
Ireland continued to press forward throughout the game and had their best chance to double the lead in the 57th minute. A defensive error saw Idah pick up the ball 25 yards out, he found Parrott who hit the post with a low effort and Idah flashed a shot over the bar.
Despite the narrow scoreline, Armenia rarely challenged as Jonathan Afolabi was introduced during the final stages for his first appearance at U-21 level following his fantastic performances in the U-19 European Championships.
"I thought it was a good performance, we controlled the game in all areas and we were well worth the victory," said U-21 manager Stephen Kenny.
"We were unfortunate to not score more goals and maybe we've got to be a bit more clinical in the final third but overall, I was really happy with the performance.
"This is the first time that front three have played together so the signs are encouraging as we head to Sweden tomorrow. We've got two flights tomorrow to Kalmar so we've got to make sure the players are ready for another big game on Tuesday night."
Republic of Ireland: Caoimhin Kelleher (GK), Lee O'Connor, Darragh Leahy, Conor Masterson, Dara O'Shea, Conor Coventry, Jayson Molumby (C), Adam Idah (Dan Mandroiu 57), Troy Parrott, Aaron Connolly (Jason Knight 89), Gavin Kilkenny (Zack Elbouzedi 57).
Armenia: Sevak Aslanyan (GK), Hovhannes Nazaryan, Albert Khachumyan, Edgar Grigoryan, Karen Melkonyan, Armen Nahapetyan (Arlen Tsaturyan 82), Vahan Bichakhchyan (Aram Khamoyan 76), Artur Nadiryan (C) (Erik Vardanyan 82), German Kurbashyan (Edgar Movsesyan 69), Rudik Mkrtchyan, Erjanik Ghubasaryan.
Referee: Fyodar Zammit (MLT)
Attendance: 3658
Ireland U-21: O'Connor targets win in 'great week'
The 19-year old full-back had to report for international duty on Tuesday due to his deadline day transfer from Manchester United to Scottish Champions Celtic.
After an early flight from Glasgow, O'Connor trained with the squad on Tuesday morning ahead of the important qualifier on Friday.
Ireland welcome Armenia to Tallaght Stadium as they look to make it two wins from two in their UEFA U-21 European Championships qualifying group, with kick-off at 8pm at Tallaght Stadium.
After their opening 3-0 win over Luxembourg in March was watched by over 4,300 at Tallaght Stadium and O'Connor hopes for a similar size support on Friday.
"It was an incredible atmosphere that night, something that a lot of us wouldn't have experienced at international level," said the Waterford-native.
"It really made an impact and for us to have that type of support is fantastic as it really adds to the special experience of playing for your country if that many people are there to watch.
"It's a really important game as we want to build on the Luxembourg result and also take what we did in Toulon into the group form and continue the progress we've already made."
O'Connor was also part of the Ireland U-19 squad who reached the semi-finals of the UEFA European Championships in the summer, often playing in central midfield.
With the move to Celtic now completed, O'Connor says he is fully focused on international duty and admits he is thoroughly enjoying playing under Stephen Kenny.
"You look at what he has achieved in the game and the type of manager he is, he fills us full of confidence and makes sure we're ready for every match," continued O'Connor.
"It's different coming into the U-21s squad because there is a lot more travel involved to different matches which isn't always the case at U-19 level. It gets you fully prepared for what senior football will be like and that's what you want to experience as a young footballer.
"I was delighted to get the deadline day move completed, a big day for me and my family. It's been a busy week but a great one and I can't wait for the game tomorrow."
Tickets for the match at Tallaght Stadium will be available from the ground with tickets priced at €5 for adults, €2 for students/OAPs and FREE for U-16s.
TEAM NEWS: Ireland U-21 manager Stephen Kenny has a fully fit squad to choose from for the Armenia qualifier.
Tactical Lineups
Republic of Ireland
Substitutes
- 23 Gavin Bazunu (G)
- 7 Zachary Elbouzedi
- 12 Jason Knight
- 14 Danny Mandroiu
- 16 Jake Doyle-Hayes
- 19 Jonathan Afolabi
- 20 Jack Taylor
- 21 Liam Scales
- 22 Danny Mc Namara
Coach
Stephen Kenny
Armenia
Substitutes
- 12 Mark Grigoryan (G)
- 16 Grigorii Matevosian (G)
- 6 Erik Vardanyan
- 9 Arlen Tsaturyan
- 13 Arman Mkrtchyan
- 15 Artur Khachatryan
- 17 Armen Asilyan
- 21 Edgar Movsesyan
- 23 Aram Khamoyan
Coach
Antonio Lozano Flores
Officials
- Referee Fyodor Zammit
- Assistant Referees Duncan Sultana
- UEFA Delegate Veiko Soo
- Assistant Referee Two Theodore Zammit
- Fourth Official Darryl Agius
- Referee Observer Ferenc Székely
Match Statistics
- Republic of Ireland
- Armenia
Minute by Minute Commentary