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Thursday 06 Sep 2018
Smyth and Holden link up for Northern Ireland U21s

Northern Ireland Under-21's early goal was enough to see off Luxembourg as they prepare for their UEFA EURO Qualifier next week. 

Northern Ireland currently sit one point off second place in Group 2 with three games left to play in the UEFA Euro Qualifiers. Ian Baraclough's side will travel to top of the table Spain on Tuesday 11 September. 

The friendly saw Dale Gorman captain the side as Liam Donnelly started on the bench which gave opportunities to new faces Pierce Bird and Daniel Ballard to debut in defence. 

Paul Smyth showed some quick thinking and even quicker legs to intercept a rogue pass from the Luxembourg defence before cutting in a ball for Rory Holden to finish inside the box. 

You can watch the winning goal by clicking on the image at the top of the page. 

Team: Hazard (Mitchell 46), McDonagh (Kerr 63), Bird (Johnson 70), Ballard (Donnelly 73), Burns, (C) Gorman (Owens 60), McClean (Dunwoody 60), Holden, Roy (Sykes 63), Lavery (Parkhouse 73), Smyth (McGonigle 70).

Match report to follow.