Midfielder Owen Garvan scored twice and put in a man of the match display as the Republic of Ireland U21s drew 2-2 with Portugal in Madeira in their final European Championships qualifier.

The Irish, who failed to qualify for the tournament, went two goals behind in the first half but Garvan hit back in the 49th and 65th minutes. The 20-year-old's first goal was a 12-yard strike and the second was hit on the turn from just inside the area. Garvan was winning his sixth U21 cap and the goals were his first at this level.

Town have three other players away with senior international squads ahead of matches on Wednesday. Alex Bruce will be hoping to add to his single cap when the Republic of Ireland full side travel to face Montenegro in their second World Cup qualifier.

Gareth McAuley, currently on 11 caps, will want to return to Nigel Worthington's side when Northern Ireland take on the Czech Republic at Windsor Park, while Veliche Shumulikoski's Macedonia will be looking to continue their good start to their World Cup campaign when Holland visit Skopje.

Photo: Action Images

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