McCarthy helps Ireland U21s keep qualification hopes alive

The Republic of Ireland Under 21s remain very much in the hunt for qualification for next summer’s European Championships in Albania and Serbia after an exciting 4-3 over Kazakhstan on Tuesday evening in Turner’s Cross, Cork.

Jim Crawford’s team had the worst possible start to the must-win game when they went behind after just 14 seconds but they battled back superbly and eventually won thanks to an 86th-minute penalty from Waterford striker Tommy Lonergan.

Caragh’s Cathal McCarthy played the 90 minutes and showed just why he is so highly-rated by his parent club, Hull City. His quality in possession was a feature of Ireland’s play throughout the game, with one 50-yard diagonal pass to Adam Brennan on the left-wing showcasing his range of passing. He was also close to a goal himself during the opening half when his powerful shot from the edge of the box was batted by goalkeeper Sherhan Kalmurza.

McCarthy moved to Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock during the summer transfer window on-loan and is already showing the benefits of playing six senior games in a short space of time.

After Ireland turned the score around with goals from Alex Murphy and Jamie Mullins, the visitors equalised through a superb strike. Sam Curtis put Ireland back into the lead early in the second half but slack defending from a long throw allowed Kazakhstan in for another equaliser in the 52nd minute.

Ireland threw everything at the visitors in the remaining time as they went in search of the win they needed. Crawford made a number of changes to introduce attack-minded players on to the pitch, including Ellistown’s Michael Noonan in the 81st minute.

By then, only McCarthy and Alex Murphy were left as recognised defenders on the Irish team.

Their efforts were rewarded when Lonergan was brought down by the goalkeeper as he raced from his line. The in-form striker made no mistake from the spot.

20-year-old McCarthy was then involved in the last piece of drama in the action-packed game when Artyom Litosh was shown a second yellow card in the 95th minute for an off-the-ball incident involving the Kildare man.

The win sets up a potentially huge game against England in the final game of the group in Cork next Tuesday. Lee Carsley’s England side play Slovakia on Friday where a win would see them secure qualification, and it would also leave Ireland in the second qualification place going into the final.

With Slovakia facing Andorra away from home at the same time Ireland take on England, Crawford's side could have a golden opportunity to secure a first-ever qualification for the European Championships at Under 21 level.