Striker Billy Clarke won his second Republic of Ireland U21 cap in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Holland in Venlo on Tuesday evening. Holland's winning goal was scored by Feyenoord defender Royston Drenthe in the 71st minute.

Wolves striker Stephen Ward missed a first half penalty, while the Irish had Aston Villa's Stephen O'Halloran sent off late on.

Coach Don Givens was pleased with his team despite the loss: “We didn't deserve a defeat from that game but it was a very good performance overall against an experienced Dutch side.”

Republic of Ireland U21s: Quigley (UCD) (Randolph (Charlton) 46), Kane (Blackburn), O'Halloran (Aston Villa), O'Cearuill (Arsenal) (Keogh (Bristol City) 81), O'Dea (Celtic), Gibson (Manchester Utd), Keegan (Drogheda Utd), Quinn (Sheffield Utd), O'Brien (Celtic) (Powell (Bohemians) 83), Ward (Wolves) Rooney (Stoke City) 72), Clarke (Ipswich).

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Photo: Action Images

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