Ireland Men’s Under-17s went down 2-0 to Hungary in the first of two friendlies in Pinatar, Spain this week.

A goal in each half from the Hungarians did the damage despite Ireland dominating much of the play.

Head Coach Colin O’Brien is using the week in Pinatar Arena to prepare for next month’s U17 EURO Elite Round qualifiers against Portugal, Germany and Croatia.

Mason Melia, Jaden Umeh, Kaylem Harnett and Ike Orazi were among the faces missing from the squad as O’Brien gave opportunities to players to earn a place in his Elite Round squad.

After 15 minutes Ireland were behind when Patrik Kovacs found the net for the Hungarians. Grady McDonnell went closest for the young Boys in Green when his effort went just wide in the first half but they would go in at the break 1-0 behind.

In the second half Ireland forced much more of the play, with Harry McGlinchey and Niall McAndrew in particular linking well.

It would be Aaron Ochoa Moloney who would cause the Hungarian’s the most danger with the Malaga midfielder going close twice in the second-half as Ireland fought for an equaliser.

As Ireland chased a way back in Hungary hit them on the break and Zsombor Hos was there to apply the finish and seal the game.

Next up for Ireland is Denmark at the same venue on Saturday.

Ireland: Collins (C), Coffey, McCarthy, Vassenin,  Graminschii (McGlinchey, 60’), Finneran (Moore, 76’) , Vodo (Ochoa Moloney, 60’), McDonnell (McAndrews, 60’), Fitzgerald, Murray, Martin (Noonan, 60’)

Hungary: Kocsis, Csorba, Vitalyos, Decsy, Kovacs, H. Nemeth (C), Koncz, Bolgar, Lakatos, Barkosczi, Kovacs. Substitutes: Fodor-Papp, Tercza, Szeker, Racz, V.Nemeth, Zoja-Katona, Kiss, Hos, Kancsij, Egri