A last-minute Oisin Gallagher goal earned Ireland Under-21s a deserved three points in Kazakhstan to keep their qualification hopes alive.

With Ireland looking like they would be held to a second successive draw Gallagher rose highest to meet a Sam Curtis cross and head home the only goal of the game in the 89^th minute on his Under-21s debut.

It was perhaps the luck the Under-21s needed after they dominated large parts of the game but found themselves frustrated by the hosts who looked to hit Ireland on the counter.

Gallagher, a late call-up to the squad after Adam Brennan was ruled out through injury, started for the first time at this age grade as did Aaron Ochoa-Moloney and Jaden Umeh.

And it was the latter who had the only clear cut chance of the first half when he found himself in space at the back post but can only volley wide of the goal.

Shortly after this Noah Jauny was called into action when he managed to save with he feet following an effort from Tamerlan Agimanov.

In the second half  Umeh and Tommy Lonergan both threatened the Kazakhstan goal but it the clearer of the chances came the way of the hosts. First Jauny was forced into a save after an in-swinging free-kick avoid everyone and the Irish goalkeeper had to react.

Then late on Yan Trufanov had a huge chance that just went over the bar from close range.

But the moment of the game came in the final minute. Sam Curtis broke down the right and looped in a cross in the box. Gallagher tore into the area and met the ball with a powerful header that beat Miras Rikhard for 1-0.

That goal would prove to be the winner and set Ireland up for a huge game against Slovakia in September.

Kazakhstan: Rikhard, Amir, Zhumabekov, Turganov, Karimov, Baibek (Omatay, 62’), Nurymbet (C), Mukhamethanov (Baidavletov, 62’), Popov (Vlagushev, 68’), Bagdat (Toktybay, 62’), Agimanov (Trufanov, 77’).

Ireland: Jauny, Curtis, Okagbue, McCarthy, McManus (Murphy, 82’), Gallagher, Mullins, Akachukwu (Lipsuic 82’), Umeh (Kone-Doherty, 75’), Ochoa-Moloney (Moorhouse, 66’), Lonergan (Patton, 66’).