A Michael Noonan wonder strike sealed a 1-0 win over Andorra for Ireland Under-21s in their opening home game of the Under-21 European Championship Qualifiers.

Noonan’s finish, a minute after coming onto the field, saw him become the Under-21s’ youngest ever goalscorer aged 17 years, one month and nine days.

The Shamrock Rovers forward took the record from his strike partner Mason Melia who only set the record back in March against Hungary.

It was a vital win for Jim Crawford’s side who took maxmimum points in their opening two qualifiers having overcome Moldova 2-1 last week.

The result turns Ireland’s qualifier against Slovakia in Turner’s Cross on Friday, October 10 into a top of the group clash.

Ireland dominated the game but found Andorra a stubborn test.

Vata had a glorious chance in the first half when he was put through but De Castro stuck out a leg to deny the Watford attacker.

Andorra limited Ireland to few opportunities and it was all square at half-time.

In the second half Vata’s knuckleball free-kick forced De Castro into another save as Ireland looked to knock on the door.

Half-time substitute Trent Kone-Doherty looked a constant threat with his pace and caused Andorra problems.

Crawford introduced Noonan in the 65^th minute and a minute later Noonan had the ball the net.

Kone-Doherty broke down the left and picked out Noonan, he took two touches before firing past De Castro from 25 yards.

The goal would prove to be the winner to give Ireland two wins out of two.

Ireland: Jauny, Devaney, Grehan, Abankwah (C), Murphy, McCarthy (Noona, 65’), Mullins, Vaughan (Kone-Doherty, 46’), Vata, Hakiki (Lipsiuc, 78’), Melia (Murphy, 78’)

Andorra: De Castro, Rodriquez (Acosta, 82’), Borra, Olivera, Cornella (De Sa, 82’), Guma, Rodrigo, Remolins, Ferreira (Torna, 90’), Boutarfas (Santaella, 76’), Sola (C)