The Republic of Ireland's under 17 boys have qualified for the UEFA European Championship Elite Round following a 3-0 win away to Bulgaria today.
The victory followed Tuesday’s 6-0 win over Azerbaijan and ensured Colin O’Brien’s side sealed progression to the Elite Round with a game to spare.
Ireland will face fellow table-toppers Ukraine on Monday needing just a point to confirm their progression as group winners thanks to their superior goal difference.
Following his hat-trick on Tuesday, Adam Idah picked up where he left off with a goal after just three minutes. Idah beat the offside trap to get on the end of Nathan Collins’ long ball to give Ireland the dream start.
Barry Coffey doubled the lead in the 17th minute with a ferocious finish from inside the area to give Ireland a commanding lead at the break.
O’Brien’s Ireland had to wait until eight minutes from time to add the third. Idah showed impressive hunger to intercept a square ball from Gabriel Zemarski. He then beat Tomaslav Papazov and smashed the ball into the far corner to put the icing on a fantastic performance. Five goals in two games for the Cork man.
Attention now turns to Monday's showdown with Ukraine where top spot in the group is on offer for the winners.
Ireland: Clarke (GK), Murphy, Ledwidge, McEntee, Collins (C), Knight, Thompson, Coffey, Idah, Wright, Brennan.
Subs: Bohan (GK), Mahon, A. O’Reilly, Spain, K. O’Reilly, Parrot, Brenna, Ellis.
