AIDEN O’BRIEN celebrated his U21 debut with a first-half double as the Republic of Ireland ran out 3-0 winners in today’s international friendly against the Netherlands.
The Millwall striker, 19, opened the scoring at Tallaght Stadium as manager Noel King tried out some new faces ahead of the European Championship qualifiers later this year.
O’Brien doubled Ireland’s tally before Anthony Forde of Wolves sealed the win from the penalty spot in the second half.
St Patrick’s Athletic winger Chris Forrester and Carl McHugh of Bradford City were among those introduced as second-half substitutes for their first U21 caps.
Republic of Ireland: Aaron McCarey, Matt Doherty, Sean McGinty, Derrick Williams, Shane Duffy (c), Kane Ferdinand, Samir Carruthers, Callum Reilly, Aiden O’Brien, Anthony Forde, Sean Murray. Substitutes: Sean McDermott, Anthony O’Connor, Joe Shaughnessy, John Sullivan, Chris Forrester, Frankie Sutherland, Carl McHugh, Cian Bolger.
Netherlands: Stefan van der Lei, Mike te Wierik, Timo Letschert, Ted van de Pavert, Nick Bakker, Jesper Drost, Luciano Slagveer, Kevin Jansen, Alex Schalk (c), Hakim Ziyech, Stanley Elbers. Substitutes: Hobie Verhulst, Stefano Denswil, Joel Veltman, Peter van Ooijen, Navarone Foor, Jody Lukoki, Arsenio Valpoort.
