Soccer:Robert Brady marked his international return last night by scoring a brace of goals as the Republic of Ireland Under-21s came from behind to defeat their Austrian counterparts 2-1 in a friendly international at the Showgrounds.
The Irish fell behind in this friendly to Raphael Holzhauser’s free-kick on 68 minutes but Manchester United winger Brady, who is currently on-loan at Hull, headed the equaliser four minutes later before adding a stoppage-time penalty.
Brady enjoyed his evening admitting: “I think I showed out there tonight how much I enjoy playing for
Ireland.” Conor Clifford, who has been called up to the senior squad for the game against Croatia, played the opening 45 minutes before being replaced.
Noel King’s Ireland side will now look forward to their opening UEFA Under 21 Championship qualifying match against Hungary at the same venue on September 1st.
Rep of Ireland:McLoughlin (MK Dons); Connolly (Bolton), Kiernan (Wigan Athletic), Canavan (Scunthorpe United), Gunning (Blackburn Rovers); Clifford (Chelsea), Towell (Celtic), Hendrick (Derby County); Brady (Hull City), Doran (Inverness CT), White (Leeds United). Subs: McCarey (Wolves) for McLoughlin, Oyebanjo (York City) for Canavan, Mason (Cardiff City) for Clifford, Stevens (Shamrock Rovers) for Gunning, Duffy (Everton) for Hendrick (all 46 mins), Greene (Sligo Rovers) for White (73 mins), Kearns (Dundalk) for Doran (80 mins).
Austria:Lindner; Zwierschitz, Karner, Hinteregger, Hart; Hierlander, Holzhauser, Hopfer, Drazan; Schwab, Elsneg. Subs: Tadic for Schwab, Schopf for Hopfer (both 46 mins), Gregoritsch for Drazan, Kropfl for Elsneg (63 mins), Holzmann for Zwierschitz, Sollbauer for Karner (75 mins).
Referee:Arnold Hunter (Northern Ireland).
Attendance:1,810
