Academy striker Billy Clarke scored twice as Ireland's U19s thrashed Italy 4-1 on a sodden pitch at Turner's Cross, Cork. Clarke ended the UEFA U19 Championship qualifying mini-tournament as joint top scorer with three goals along with Northern Ireland's Portsmouth striker Daryl Fordyce.

Clarke, playing in his home town, netted the first two goals in the 19th and 23rd minutes as a consummate Irish performance overwhelmed the Italians.

Darron Gibson of Manchester United and Edward Nolan from Blackburn completed the Ireland scoring with Alessio Cerci seizing on a backpass held up by a puddle to pull a goal back for the Italians.

Arsenal's Arturo Lupoli, a recent Town loan target, was a second half substitute for Italy.

The victory gave the hosts top spot in the UEFA U19 Championship qualifying first phase group on maximum points.

Clarke scored the Republic's first goal in their 2-1 opening match win over Northern Ireland on Sunday and played 70 minutes of their 3-0 win against Moldova on Tuesday.

Fellow Town youngsters Owen Garvan and Shane Supple were initially included in the squad for the matches, however the Blues requested their release for involvement in the Championship games with Reading and Coventry. Skippering the Irish side was former Town trialist John Paul Kelly.

Northern Ireland's 2-1 win over Moldova means the two Irish sides go through to the elite qualifying phase and Italy bow out. The finals will be held in Poland next summer.

Ireland U19s: Randolph (Charlton Ath), Kelly (Arsenal), Nolan (Blackburn Rovers), O'Dea (Celtic), Stapleton (Reading), JP Kelly (Bohemians), Gibson (Manchester United), Morris (Leeds), Hayes (Reading)(Chambers (Shelbourne) 76), Stokes (Arsenal)(O'Carroll (Celtic) 86), Clarke (Ipswich Town)(O'Brien (Celtic) 72).

Photo: Action Images

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