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Ireland U19s talent Johansson starts for Bayern against Arsenal

Ryan Johansson (L) battles for possession with Nacho Monreal
Ryan Johansson (L) battles for possession with Nacho Monreal

Republic of Ireland Under-19 international Ryan Johansson took another encouraging step in his progression as he was given a start for Bayern Munich against Arsenal in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Eddie Nketiah proved to be the match-winner as the Gunners made it two wins from two on their pre-season tour of the United States with a 2-1 victory, but it was a positive sign for Johannson, who made his Ireland debut last September against Wales.

The 18-year-old is eligible to represent Sweden - the county of his father's birth - and Luxembourg, where he was born, but he qualifies for Ireland through his mother, who hails from Westmeath.

He featured for Bayern's first team on their pre-season tour of the USA last summer too and is highly regarded at the Bundesliga giants.

Johansson played the first 45 minutes before being withdrawn.

Following a goalless first half, Unai Emery's side took the lead four minutes after the restart when Louis Poznanski diverted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's cross into his own goal before Robert Lewandowski equalised with a fine header.

The match looked to be heading for a draw but young forward Tyreece John-Jules worked his way down the left side of the Bayern penalty box to cut the ball back for Nketiah to tap home two minutes from time.

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