Ireland Men’s Under-17s were on the end of a 4-1 defeat to Norway Under-18s in Croatia this afternoon.

In the first of their World Cup preparation friendlies Colin O’Brien’s team faced a stern test against the Norwegians who proved to be too strong for the young Irish side.

Despite this, Ireland had held the Norwegians to a solitary goal until the break before making numerous changes at half-time to utilise the squad.

One of those changes netted the equaliser. Benfica’s  Jaden Umeh produced an acrobatic finish to bring the game to 1-1 as Ireland got a foothold back into the game.

But a minute later Norway restored their lead going 2-1 in front and didn’t look back. They went 3-1 ahead 10 minutes later before sealing the game in the final minute.

Ireland are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they face Türkiye.

Ireland: A. Noonan, Cullen, Leonard (Gabbidon, 75’), Sherlock (Butler, 65’), Finneran (C) (McDonagh, 46’), McMahon Brown (Sullivan, 65’), McAteer (Hayes, 46’), Ozhianvuna (Dunne, 65’), Lee (Kovalevskis, 46’), Tollett (Umeh, 46’), M.Noonan (Akinrintoyo, 46’).

Norway: Myklebust, Granli, Eckbo, Svenningsen, Sandrød, Holmen (C), Skaarud, Skistad, Aasen, Spitten, Gausdal. Substitutes: Klausen, Volden, Granheim, Haugen, Laegreid, Eikrem, Olderheim, Waehler.

Referee: Nino Vugrinec (Croatia)

International friendly fixtures/result  (Kick-Offs Irish time)

Wednesday, June 4 | Ireland 1-4 Norway
Saturday, June 7 | Türkiye v Ireland, Kotorbiba, Croatia, KO 14:30PM
Monday, June 9 | Croatia v Ireland, Stadium Ludbreg, Croatia, KO 10.30AM