Ireland Men’s Under-17s opened their Under-17 EURO Qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Kosovo in Austria.

An individual goal from Joe Byrne right before half time and a second-half strike from Ben Mahon was enough to see Paul Osam’s team secure the three points in Group 6.

Ireland were the dominant team from the off, Byrne, TJ Molloy, Cillian Murphy and Mahon all had chances in the first half but found no way through.

But the deadlock would be broken just before half time, St.Patrick’s Athletic’s Byrne went on an individual run down the left before firing low past Erlis in the Kosovan goal.

In the second half it was 2-0. Shamrock Rovers’ Mahon got on the end of a TJ Molloy cross to convert home to double the lead to give Ireland some breathing room.

The young Boys in Green had plenty of more opportunities to add to the lead and recorded 23 efforts on goal during the contest. However, the win will give Ireland great confidence heading into Saturday’s game with Faroe Island where win would put them a step closer to Elite Round qualification.

Kosovo: Erlis, Zhushi, Zogaji, Sylejmani (Selmani, 71’), Aliu (Krasniqi, 87’), Duzhmani, Babaj (Ibrahimi, 71’), Alidemaj (Rexhapaj, 56’), Krasniqi (Llugaxhiu, 57’), Mustafa (C), Mexhani

Ireland: Brunton, Spaight, O’Connor, Quigley, Prizeman, McGrath (C), Sullivan (Sheridan, 61’), Byrne (Dunne, 75’), Murphy (Spelman, 84’), TJ Molloy, Mahon (Quinn, 61’).

Referee: Anton Lashuk (Belarus)

UEFA European Under-17 Championship Qualifiers/Result

Wednesday, October 8 | Kosovo 0-2 Ireland
Saturday, October 10 | Ireland vs Faroe Island, Lindabrunn, Austria, KO 11am
Tuesday, October 14 | Ireland vs Austria, Stadion Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria, KO 2pm 
Kick off are Irish time*