Striker Billy Clarke won his first Republic of Ireland U21 cap as his side defeated Slovakia 1-0 at the Madeira Tournament. The frontman failed to score but coach Don Givens was impressed with his performance.

Givens said: “I thought we were the better side throughout.

“Ian Morris was immense in midfield. That's as good a performance as I've seen from him.

“Billy Clarke's pace caused them real problems but he is going home after this game, so we've got to cope without him now.

“At 1-0 anything could happen so it would have been nice settle it with another goal but overall I was very happy.”

Defender Michael Synnott is now the only Town player left with the Irish squad from the four initially named. Owen Garvan and Shane Supple were completely withdrawn, while Clarke was only permitted to play in the opening game. The Irish U21s take on a Madeira side on Wednesday and Portugal on Friday.

Republic of Ireland: Russell (Chelsea), Kane (Blackburn), Powell (Bohemians), O'Cearuill (Arsenal) (Murphy (MK Dons) 46), O'Halloran (Aston Villa), Kelly (Bohemians) (Simmonds (Chelsea) 75), Chambers (Shelbourne) (Curran (Sligo Rovers) 56), Morris (Scunthorpe), O'Brien (Celtic), Bracken (Glenavon) (Hayes (Reading) 46), Clarke (Ipswich) (Dennehy (Sunderland) 89).

Photo: Action Images

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