Ireland Men’s Under-17s produced a superb 3-0 victory over Croatia Under-18s in Kotoriba, Croatia today.

Goals from captain Rory Finneran, Michael Noonan and Jaden Umeh sealed the impressive result for the young Boys in Green.

The World Cup-bound Irish side took on the challenge of taking part in an a tournament against older opposition and while tasting defeat against Norway and Türkiye, Colin O’Brien’s team produced two impressive performances.

But against Croatian opposition their hard work paid dividends and it was Newcastle United’s Finneran who got Ireland in front with a sweet strike from outside the box after 40 minutes.

At half time O’Brien brought on Michael Noonan and Umeh and there was an immediate impact with ex-Cork City striker, Umeh, doubling Ireland’s lead when he reacted fasted to flick home from close range. Five minutes later it was 3-0 to Ireland, Shamrock Rovers forward Noonan on target to wrap up the game when he fired low past Croatia Maroje Kostopec.

Croatia: Kostopec, Ascic, Bilbobrk, Bakovic, Ahmeti, Kitin, Pecek, Vrzic, Chelfi, Mikic, Mlacic. Substitutes: Rajic, Mandic, Godec, Puljic, Covic, Huskic, Knezevic, Subotic, Sokac, Thaqi, Krivici, Simic.

Ireland: Alex Noonan (Moloney, 46’), Butler, Sherlock, Cullen, Kovalevskis (Lee, 83’), Finneran (C) (Gabbidon, 83’), McAteer (McDonagh, 78’), Hayes (Spaight, 78’), Akinrintoyo (Umeh, 46’), Ozhianvuna (Dunne, 86’), Tollett (Michael Noonan, 46’).

Referee: Sabina Boljic (Croatia).