The Republic of Ireland qualified for the European under-16 youth championship finals in Scotland when they secured the draw (00) they needed against Northern Ireland at Mourneview Park, Lurgan last night.

The Republic had beaten Belgium 2-1 earlier in the week and won the qualifying group by virtue of scoring one more goal.

They had a lucky escape in the first half last night when Sunderland striker Fran McKeown saw his shot come back from the post.

Newcastle United centre forward David McMahon came closest to scoring for the Republic.