Republic of Ireland Under-21 2 Hungary Under-21 1:Rhys Murphy made a stunning return to the green shirt last night as the Arsenal striker scored the winner in Sligo to get Noel King's side off to a winning start in their Group Seven campaign.

Murphy played once at underage level with the Republic of Ireland but represented England at under-16, 17 and 19 levels. He was only brought into the panel on Sunday after he was cleared to play, but King threw him straight into his starting line-up for the clash at the Showgrounds.

And the manager was rewarded as Murphy headed home the winner from Robbie Brady’s cross with 16 minutes to go.

Dubliner Brady, presently out on loan from Manchester United to Hull City, had put Ireland ahead after just 14 minutes with a super strike after some neat interplay with Preston’s Adam Barton.

The home side failed to build on the dominance and Portsmouth’s new 6ft 5im signing equalised on 38 minutes.

James McCarthy, who will join up with the senior squad on Friday, had what looked like good claims for a penalty after being pulled back as he entered the box, while Murphy also went down in the area just short of the hour mark.

But Murphy was to make it count on 74 minutes with winner from close range, while Hungary’s chances of grabbing a point were not helped when Bence Iszlai was sent off for a nasty challenge on Leeds United’s Aidan White.

Next up for King’s side is a tough trip for next Tuesday’s clash against a Turkish side, who look set to complete a winning double over Liectenstein on Friday after beating them 6-1 at home in their opening clash back in March.