Ireland under-21s held to draw by Qatar under-23s

Press Association

Republic of Ireland Under-21s were held to a 0-0 draw against Qatar Under-23s in Vrbovec.

The game was the Republic’s second friendly after being beaten 1-0 by Croatia on Friday and the Qatar clash saw Andrew Wogan, Jacob Devaney, Cian Dillon and Cathal O’Sullivan all make their first starts for the under-21s.

Jamie Mullins had an early effort miss the target as Ireland started well and they came close again when O’Sullivan smashed a shot off the post.

Jad Hakiki’s effort was then cleared off the line as the score remained goalless at half-time.

They had another great opportunity through Hakiki again after the break when his effort rattled the post, but the game fizzled out into a draw.

The Republic are back in international action in September when they begin their qualification campaign for the European Championship.