A new generation of Irish internationals put on a scintillating display in their first international game as Ireland Boys Under-15s overcame Slovenia 5-2 in the UEFA Development Tournament in Croatia today.

Goals from Ethan Kelly, Archie Quinn, Josh O’Dwyer and Liam Kelly had Ireland 4-1 ahead by half-time before Quinn added a second late on in the game.

It was a dream result for Jason Donohue’s team, however, they had to overcome an early setback when Slovenia were ahead after four minutes when Nejc Roman Leljak put his side ahead.

St. Patrick’s Athletic’s Ethan Kelly got Ireland level when he got on the end of a through ball to finish in the 18^th minute and 10 minutes later Ireland were ahead when Shamrock Rovers’ Quinn produce a great piece of control on the edge of the area before applying the finish.

In the 39^th minute Ireland’s day got better when Quinn’s clubmate O’Dwyer headed in at the back post for 3-1.

Derry City’s Liam Kelly finished off a stunning first-half display for Ireland with an excellent strike into the bottom corner just before the break.

Early in the second half Slovenia reduced Ireland’s lead to two when Tim Ruznic came off the bench to score to bring the score to 4-2.

But with the game closing out Quinn would get his second of the afternoon to make it 5-2 as he finished off his mazy run to earn the win for Ireland.

Next up for the young Boys in Green are the hosts Croatia on Friday afternoon.

Slovenia: Pirih, Zavodnik, Pisar, Cancae, Machtig (C), Leljak, Chiriac, Grabljevec, Kos, Seserko, Novak. Substitutes: Jeran, Pucer, Bele, Ruznic, Bokavsek, Kukic, Dubravica, Jesenko, Lungu.

Ireland: McGarvey, Marshall, Ennis (Malone, 60’), Afonin, O’Halloran (Nolan, 87’), Zeller (C) (Daly, 70’), O’Dwyer (Lynch, 70’), Aliyev (Reilly, 60’), E.Kelly (Echefu, 60’), L. Kelly (Okeweo, 60’), Quinn (Kibaga, 87’).

Referee: Filip Barisic (Croatia)

Ireland Boys Under-15s UEFA Development Tournament fixtures/result (all kick-offs are Irish time)

Wednesday, September 18 | Slovenia 2-5 Ireland
Friday, September 20 | Croatia v Ireland, Zagreb, Croatia, KO 3.30pm
Monday, September 23 | Ireland v Lithuania, Zagreb, Croatia, KO 3.30pm