Transfer-listed striker Billy Clarke played the full 90 minutes as the Republic of Ireland U21s started their Intercontinental Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over hosts Malaysia this afternoon. Clarke was winning his eighth U21 cap.

The Town man failed to score but provided the cross for Wolves striker Stephen Ward to net the third Irish goal in the second half, Huddersfield's Michael Collins having put his side two up at half-time.

Ireland play Nigeria in their second game on Saturday and Iraq in their final match next Tuesday.

Republic of Ireland U21s: Shane Redmond - Nottingham Forest, Eddie Nolan - Blackburn Rovers, Darren Dennehy - Everton (James Ryan – Shrewsbury Town 73), Michael Spillane - Norwich City, Shane Lowry - Aston Villa, David Elebert – Hamilton Academical (Stephen Maher - Yeovil Town 69), Michael Collins – Huddersfield Town, James Berrett – Huddersfield Town, Keith Treacy - Blackburn Rovers (Alan Judge - Blackburn Rovers 84), Billy Clarke - Ipswich Town, Stephen Ward - Wolverhampton Wanderers. Unused: Paul Skinner – Celtic, Simon Madden – Leeds United, Mark Salmon – Wolverhampton Wanderers, Karl Moore - Manchester City.

Photo: Action Images

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