Young midfielder Adam McDonnell made his Republic of Ireland U18s debut but his side lost the first of two friendlies in Portugal 2-0 earlier this afternoon.

McDonnell started the game, which was played in Abrantes, and played the first 58 minutes before being replaced. The Irish youngsters take on the Portuguese in the second friendly of their trip in Bonitos on Thursday.

After the game the 17-year-old tweeted: "Some game against Portugal, bad result lost 2-0 but they were sick! Good experience."

Midfielder McDonnell joined the Blues on a two-year deal from Shelbourne close to the end of the transfer window following a trial in the summer.

The Dubliner recently made his first two appearances for the Irish U19s, adding to caps at U16, U17 and Emerging Talent levels.

Town are still waiting to receive McDonnell’s international clearance from FIFA and he is yet to appear in a competitive game for the Blues' U18s or U21s.

However, he has played in friendlies and has already trained with the first team, impressing manager Mick McCarthy, and once available is likely to come into consideration for the Blues boss’s senior squad.

Republic of Ireland U18s: Matthew Connor (Waterford United), Evan Moran (West Bromwich Albion), Colm Deasy (Southampton), Anthony Dolan (Fulham), Jack Tuite (Derby County), Nathan Benson (Shamrock Rovers), Ross Taheny (Sligo Rovers), Stephen Best (Bohemians), Evan Osam (Shamrock Rovers), George Poynton (Dundalk), Kyron Farrell (Millwall), Adam McDonnell (Ipswich Town), Graham Kelly (Sheffield United), Shane Elworthy (West Bromwich Albion), Nathan Corkery (QPR), Frankie Mulhern (Leeds United), Richard Purdy (Shamrock Rovers), Troy Carey (UCD AFC), Khius Metz (Burnley).

Photo: Action Images

Godzilla added 09:57 - Dec 17 Poor show when you can't even beat a team who aren't feeling well..
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Seasider added 13:53 - Dec 18 Looks a bit like a young Kevin O'Callaghan
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