Poynton features for Republic of Ireland 17s
Georgie Poynton from Bettystown featured for the Republic of Ireland u-17s last night as they recorded a 4-0 victory ina friendly against Shelbourne u-19s at Hartstown/Huntstown FC for manager Tom Mohan.
Poynton plays for Dundalk u-19s and has been nominated for the FAI u-16 player of the year award for 2013. This is a fantastic achievement for Georgie who an excellent season at club level last year with East Meath United before he moved to Dundalk at the start of the 2013/14 season.
Last night he was a member of the Republic of Ireland u-17 (predominantly home-based) squad that produced an emphatic display to run out comfortable winners in the end but had to weather an early storm from Shels.
Cork City striker Conor Ellis gave Mohan plenty of food for thought as the UEFA U17 Championships qualifying tournament draws close with an impressive first have double.
A stunning second half free-kick from Malike Benrougguibi and a fine finish from substitute Aaron O'Neill wrapped up the scoring for Mohan's side.
The Republic of Ireland included Anderlecht defender Robin Walsh, who is the Belgian-born son of an Irishman.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - Evan Gaffney (St Patrick's Athletic), Robin Walsh (Anderlecht), Evan Osam (Shamrock Rovers), Conor Masterson (Lucan Utd), Stephen Best (Crumlin Utd), Antaine O’Laoi (Salthill Devon), Malike Benrougguibi (St Kevin’s Boys), Georgie Poynton (Dundalk), Conor Ellis (Cork City), Thomas Tiernan (Shamrock Rovers), Sean Byrne (UCD).
SUBS
Lee Doyle (Cherry Orchard) for Gaffney 46 mins
Maxime Kouogum (Cherry Orchard) for Byrne 46
Nathan Benson (Crumlin Utd) for Osam 46
Robbie McCourt (St Kevin’s Boys) for Best 46
Aaron O’Neill (Athlone Town) for Ellis 46
Richie Purdy (Shamrock Rovers) for O'Laoi 46
Darragh Markey (Cherry Orchard) for Tiernan 46
Re-introduced:
Tiernan for Poynton 69; Byrne for Benrougguibi 69; Osam for Walsh 80; Ellis for Masterson 85.
Conall Collier