Finn Harps players Daniel Gildea and Fionnan Coyle came on as second half subs for the Republic of Ireland U16s yesterday.
Ireland defeated Bulgaria 4-2 in Sofia with Gildea and Coyle – pictured with Kevin Doran – sent on in the second half by Paul Osam.
Ireland began the match excellently, scoring twice in the opening ten minutes. Ben McCormack opened the scoring in the seventh minute, before Louie Barry scored his first of the game a minute later.
Despite leading 2-0, Ireland went in level at the break, after conceding twice in the final 15-minutes of the first-half. Martin Smolenski scored from close range, before Dimitar Ivanov scored just before the break from a corner.
Paul Osam’s side retook the lead after the break inside 60-seconds. Billy Vance scored to make it 3-2 to the visitors before Barry scored his second goal two minutes later.
Gildea and Coyle are both members of Kevin McHugh’s U15 Finn Harps squad.
Gildea is a former Fintown Harps player while Coyle was with Gweedore Utd prior to the move to Finn Park.
Both boys will hope to see further action in the second friendly game against Bulgaria tomorrow.
Last weekend, Harps U19 player Michael Gallagher featured for the Irish Under-19s, who are managed by ex-Harps player Tom Mohan.
