Ireland Men’s Under-19s drew 2-2 with Greece in their opening game of their tournament in Croatia.

UCD’s Cathal McCarthy grabbed a late equaliser after Naj Razi had given Ireland the lead in the first half.

The tournament is being used as final preparation for the Under-19s’ EURO Qualifications next month where Ireland will face Moldova, Azerbaijan and Iceland.

Ireland were ahead in the 25^th minute when former Shamrock Rovers man Razi converted a tidy finish after an excellent dummy by Cian Dillon.

Greece struck back in the 36^th minute Theodoros Delianidis was given space in the area and fired in at the near post.

Just after the hour mark it was 2-1 to Greece. Adriano Bregu was able to pick his spot and fired past Cooney down low.

But with a few minutes remaining Ireland won a corner and McCarthy rose highest to connect with the ball, sending it in to earn Ireland the draw.

They face the hosts Croatia on Saturday.

Ireland: Cooney, Devaney, Grante, McCarthy, Cory O’Sullivan (Kiernan, 77’), McGrath (Ochoa Moloney, 66’), Akachukwu (C), Cathal O’Sullivan (Morley, 66’), Naj Razi (Isichei, 82’), Kone Doherty, Dillon (Okosun, 66’).

Greece: Georgakopoulos, Koupenos, Alafakis, Bataoulas, Kosidis, Martousis (C), Liatsikouras, Mythou, Bregu, Tsioungaris, Deliandis. Substitutes: Beleris, Andrikopoulos, Chatsidis, Panagakos, Galiastos, Kalaitsdis, Pnevmondis, Markezinis, Theocharis, Hoxha, Politakis, Lykourinos, Santis.

Referee: Luka Milković (Croatia)

International friendly fixtures and results (all kick-offs are Irish time)

Wednesday, October 10 | Ireland 2-2 Greece
Saturday, October 12 | Croatia v Ireland, Sports Center Zelena Laguna, Poreč, Croatia, KO 2.15pm
Tuesday, October 15 | Mexico v Ireland, Sports Center Zelena Laguna, Poreč, Croatia, KO 9am