Sean McCaffrey’s first game as U19 Republic of Ireland manager saw the Irish boys play out a highly credible 3-3 draw in an international friendly with France last night in front of 1600 spectators in Alencon.
Appointed as U17 and U19 boss last month, following a stint as caretaker manager, McCaffrey watched through incessant rain as his young side took the lead two times against Luc Rabat’s side that failed to qualify from the first phase of the UEFA U19 European Championships.
The Republic side handled the poor underfoot conditions the better, securing their sixth unbeaten game and they deservedly took a 2-0 lead into the half-time break. Manchester United defender Paul McShane headed home Mark Yeates’ 22nd minute cross at the far post to put Ireland 1-0 up before Wolves’ striker Gary Mulligan hit a second for the visitors from the penalty spot just after the half-hour.
France hit back almost immediately in the second half with Lille’s Samuel Robail getting on the score sheet before impressive striker Said Khiter of Lens levelled the match at 2-2. Newcastle winger Alan Kelly scored a fantastic third for McCaffrey’s men, evading three players on a forty-yard dash from the halfway line to drive home past goalkeeper Benoît Benvegnu from eighteen yards.
But the French had the last say with Khiter nipping in for his second goal with six minutes remaining, pinching the ball off Arsenal’s Patrick Cregg before finishing well.
Afterwards, Irish boss McCaffrey said: "It’s been a useful trip undoubtedly and one that has only had its benefits for the squad and the coaching staff. We used eighteen players in total and some have moved up the pecking order, some possibly down".
The U19s will get together again in the New Year ahead of the second phase of the UEFA U19 European Championships, which sees them take on Norway, Serbia & Montenegro and Belgium in Group 7, with fixtures running until the end of May.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
