Coolly done.
The Republic of Ireland seniors may not have been able to deliver a result on Friday night but the U19s are looking much more slick.
Tom Mohan’s side are currently in action against Kosovo in their Elite Round clash in Rio Ave and have wasted no time in stamping their authority on proceedings.
In fact, Michael Obafemi, who shot into the public eye when he made his Premier League debut for Southampton earlier in the season, is spearheading the attack impressively.
The Dublin-born 17-year-old fired Ireland into a fifth-minute lead, showcasing impressive strength and composure in the process.
WATCH: Michael Obafemi gives #IRLU19🇮🇪a 1-0 lead against Kosovo. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/2hM6VrlVE0
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 24, 2018
Just eight minutes later, it was two, with Manchester United’s Lee O’Connor adding his name to the scoresheet. While Ireland were always expected to beat minnows Kosovo, it’s encouraging to see Obafemi in fine form.
While he hasn’t been heavily involved in the first-team at Southampton, the former Leyton Orient prospect has continued to impress for the club’s U23s.
Judging by his neat finish against Kosovo, he certainly doesn’t seem to be lacking confidence.
O’Connor’s strike wasn’t bad, either, outpacing the defence before latching onto a through ball and lobbing the advancing keeper.
Martin O’Neill has demonstrated a willingness to give youth a chance in the senior set-up and, assuming he is abreast of the U19s fortunes, the quality of both Obafemi and O’Connor will not pass him by.
WATCH: Lee O'Connor lobs the goalkeeper to give #IRLU19🇮🇪a 2-0 lead against Kosovo. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/lz7NfYirgX
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 24, 2018
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