Ronan McKinley played the full game today as the Republic of Ireland Under 16s came from behind twice to draw with Wales and stay unbeaten in the Victory Shield.
Goals in either half from Matt Everitt in the 37th-minute and Armstrong Oko-Flex in the second minute of added-time mean that Ireland are on four points after their opening two games.
Newtowncunningham’s McKinley, a midfielder on the books of Derry City, didn’t feature in Monday’s win over Northern Ireland, but was in action today.
Speaking after the game, manager Paul Osam felt the side were well worth the draw.
“We deserved to get the equaliser,” McKinley said.
“I don’t think they had a chance in the second-half really, bar their goal which came from a corner. It was a goal we gifted Wales.
“Our underage teams are full of character. It’s in our DNA to never give up. It was great to come back, but we were disappointed with the goals. The players need to learn and be really vigilant in the penalty area.
“If we learn from the mistakes we made today and a few from Monday’s game, that’s all we can ask for before the next game. The purpose of this season was for the players to learn and develop, and win if we can.”
The team play their final match of the competition on Friday afternoon at 1pm in Bangor against Scotland, knowing a win will retain the Victory Shield.
