Blues striker Aaron Drinan played the first 52 minutes as a Republic of Ireland U21s side beat an experienced Ireland Amateurs team 1-0 in a training game at Whitehall last night.

The game, won by a first-half goal scored by Shamrock Rovers’ Brandon Kavanagh, followed a training camp at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown as the squad prepare for a European Championships qualifier against Luxembourg in March.

Drinan was the only English-based player involved with the Blues having given him permission to take part.

The 20-year-old joined Town in January 2018 from Waterford having previously spent time with hometown club Cork City.

The striker, who is yet to win an Ireland youth cap at any level, was on the Town first-team bench on five occasions last season without making his senior Blues debut. Earlier this campaign Drinan spent time on loan at Sutton United.

Meanwhile, academy youngsters Henry Barley and Tommy Hughes were in goalscoring action for their loan clubs on Tuesday evening.

Second-year scholar Barley won an early penalty, which was converted by ex-Blue Jack Ainsley, and then later scored the Seasiders' second on his debut as Felixstowe and Walton won 2-0 at Soham Rangers.

Hughes, also a second year, was on target as Lowestoft Town, his latest loan club having previously spent time with Bury Town, drew 4-4 in a Evostik Southern League Cup at Royston before losing 3-1 on penalties.

Republic of Ireland U21s: Conor Kearns, Trevor Clarke (Robbie McCourt 55), Liam Scales (Sam Todd 90), Conor McCarthy, Jamie Lennon (c), Zach Elbouzedi (William Fitzgerald 87), Neil Farrugia (Karl O'Sullivan 90), Brandon Kavanagh (Dan Mandroiu 78), Aaron Bolger (Jack Keaney 78), Andy Lyons, Aaron Drinan (Michael O'Connor 52).

Photo: TWTD

SamWhiteUK added 14:41 - Feb 7 I wonder if we'll ever see him feature properly for Town. There have been so many news stories on him on this site but not a lot else. I don't remember hearing about any of the other young players as much as him
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