One of Newcastle United’s academy stars in Rory Finneran captained Ireland U17s as they secured a dramatic win over Canada in the World Cup on Friday.
The Boys in Green edged a penalty shootout against their counterparts in Qatar following a 1-1 draw to reach the last-16.
Newcastle signed Finneran, who is capable of playing in either defence or central midfield, from Blackburn in 2024 and he has made seven appearances for their academy sides this season.
Finneran has impressed for Ireland at the U17 World Cup and played a role as his side reached the business end of the competition.
The 17-year-old Newcastle academy star skippered the side and his manager believes this young team are helping bring joy to supporters back at home.
Republic of Ireland v Canada - FIFA Under-17 World Cup Round of 32
Photo By Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Ireland U17s praised for dramatic World Cup victory
The Irish showed a huge amount of character to push again following a late equaliser from Canada.
They then bagged all nine of their penalties in the shootout to seal their place in the last-16.
Skipper Finneran, who Newcastle will no doubt be watching, played the entire game as his country set up a clash with Switzerland on Tuesday to earn a place in the quarter-finals.
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Speaking to RTE after the game, Irish U17 coach Colin O’Brien said: “I’ve no doubt the families of the players, the clubs, back home in Ireland, everyone watching the game, I’d say there’s a lot of joy going into people’s houses tonight and that’s what the players are bringing, they’re really connecting the nation.
“Tonight, every emotion, players, staff, supporters went through, but that’s what knockout football is about and we’ve come out on the right side of it tonight and showed great nerve to get the outcome.”
It’s been a good week for Irish football, with the senior team beating Portugal in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday night too.
Another Newcastle player in Alex Murphy was on the bench for the Irish U21s as they lost to England U21s on Friday evening.