Academy striker Paul Murphy scored the opening goal as the Republic of Ireland U17s defeated Finland 3-0 in a friendly in Kilkenny on Tuesday evening. Murphy put his side in front on 62 with Lee-Jay Lynch netting twice more before the end.

Murphy started the move which ended in him beating the keeper from eight yards. The Irish youngsters face the Finns again in another friendly on Thursday. The games are part of the squad's preparations for next month's European U17 Championship elite qualifiers.

Elsewhere, on-loan pair Matt Richards and Dean Bowditch were in action for Brighton as they defeated Cheltenham 2-1 at the Withdean Stadium. Richards played the full 90 minutes, while Bowditch was replaced on 75.

Republic of Ireland U17s: Gerard Hanley (Salthill Devon), Pauric Ormsby (Crumlin United), Shaun Timmons (Birmingham City), John Dunleavy (Wolves), Mark Connolly (Wolves), Conor Clifford (Chelsea) (Kallum Keane (Derby County) 84), Gavin Holohan (Cherry Orchard) (Lee Jay Lynch (Regional Utd) 67), Conor Hourihane (Sunderland) (John Sullivan (Crumlin United) 60), Darragh Satelle (Crumlin United) (Dean Kelly (Carrigaline) 64), Paul Murphy (Ipswich Town), Robert Brady (Manchester United) (Greg Cunningham (Manchester City) 46).

Photo: Action Images

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