Republic of Ireland Under-19s are through to the Elite Round of qualifying for Euro 2022 after a 2-0 win over hosts Bulgaria this afternoon.
The Irish team played three matches in Bulgaria in the last week, securing two wins and a draw to finish second in the group behind Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Johnny Kenny opened the scoring for Ireland today as the Sligo Rovers striker found the net for the third game running.
Kenny produced a convincing finish from the penalty spot after Sinclair Armstrong had been fouled in the box on 24 minutes.
The 18-year-old has scored 10 goals in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division this season and was Ireland's top scorer in this qualification event.
Roughan Curtin of Lincoln City sealed the win for Ireland on 82 minutes.
Armstrong neatly laid the ball off for the defender to fire into the roof of the net.
Tom Mohan's side missed out on topping the group by goal difference as Bosnia notched four goals against Montenegro in the other group game.
The draw for the elite round will be held in the spring of next year as 23 teams fight it out for seven places at the main tournament.
Republic of Ireland: Arlo Doherty, James Abankwah (Sam Curtis 85), David Okagbue, Anselmo Garcia Mac Nulty, Roughan Curtin, Ed McJannet, Jack Francis (Kian Corbally 90), Aidomo Emakhu (Andrew Moran 46), Cian Hayes (Evan Caffrey 46), Johnny Kenny (Kevin Zefi 75), Sinclair Armstrong.
