Clarke Scores for Irish - Ipswich Town News
Academy striker Billy Clarke scored for the Ireland U19s as they beat Norway 3-0 in La Manga earlier this afternoon. The Irish are taking part in a four-team tournament at the Spanish resort.
Clarke, 17 just before Christmas, netted the first of Ireland's goals two minutes before half-time, converting a cross from Huddersfield's James Hand.
Charlie Simmons of Chelsea and John Hayes from Reading scored the other two goals in the second half.
The Irish take on the Czech Republic on Thursday afternoon and Denmark on Friday. The tournament is a warm-up for the next stage of qualifying for the UEFA U19 Championships in April.
Clarke, who was replaced by Southampton's Leon Best in the second half, was playing his third game at U19 level, having been promoted from the U17s to the U18s and then up a further level early in the season. The goal is his second for the U19s.
Ireland U19s: Randolph (Charlton Athletic); Binnion (Sheffield United), Elebert (Preston North End), R Keogh (Stoke City)( Hayes (Reading)), Gibson (Manchester United), Kelly (Unattached) (Simmons (Chelsea)), Morris (Leeds United), A Keogh (Leeds United), Hand (Huddersfield), Dicker (U.C.D), Clarke (Ipswich Town) (Best (Southampton)).
What to read next:
McKenna: A Tough Game, an Increase in ChallengeManager Kieran McKenna felt today’s 3-0 victory away against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre was a tough game and an increase in challenge in the final fixture of pre-season and has been pleased with the way preparations for the campaign ahead have gone over the last few weeks.
McKenna: Townsend and Philogene Injuries Don't Look GreatBlues boss Kieran McKenna says the injuries suffered by Conor Townsend and Jaden Philogene don’t look great, while Leif Davis missed out due to a knock and Harry Clarke could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but keeper Aro Muric is making good progress.
McKenna Tight-Lipped on Hackney and CajusteTown boss Kieran McKenna remained tight-lipped when quizzed on the Blues’ approach for last season’s loanee Jens Cajuste and also Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney’s decision to remain with the Teessiders.
AJ Auxerre 0-3 Ipswich Town - Match ReportGoals from George Hirst, Jacob Greaves and Ali Al-Hamadi saw Town to a 3-0 victory over French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps. Hirst put the Blues in front on 38 and Greaves added the second with a header from a free-kick in first-half injury time, before Al-Hamadi added the third with five minutes remaining of the match.
AJ Auxerre 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-TimeGoals from George Hirst and Jacob Greaves have given Town a 2-0 half-time lead against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.