Academy midfielder Jonny Leddy saw his penalty saved two minutes from time as the Republic of Ireland U17s lost 1-0 to Serbia in their first European Championship elite stage qualifying group game in Schijndel, Holland this afternoon. The 17-year-old, a first-year scholar, was winning his sixth cap at that level.
Milan Jokić scored the game's only goal in the 66th minute.
The Irish youngsters next face the hosts and reigning European champions Holland at the same venue on Saturday, before completing their group games with a match against Albania in Venray next Tuesday.
The winners of the group go through to the finals in Slovenia which will be played in May.