Kev’s heavy schedule

THE BEST efforts of Kevin O’Connor and his Republic of Ireland Under-21 colleagues weren’t enough to prevent Serbia - last year’s World Under-20 champions - from forging a 3-1 win in the R.S.C. in Waterford on Friday.

The Cork City defender made a vital intervention to deny the visitors a goal in the eighth minute and, although his side took the lead early in the second-half, Serbia hit back with a vengeance.

However, Kevin’s admirable fitness was put to the ultimate test just 24 hours later when he turned around to assist his club in a 5-0 demolition of Galway United in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

His team-mates were lavish in their praise of the Wexford lad on social media, and the fact that he played for the full 90 minutes in both games highlights his professionalism.

All eyes will now be on the Leesiders’ crunch clash tonight (Tuesday) with Dundalk which may ultimately decide the destination of the league title.

Meanwhile, Gorey lad Conor Levingston helped the Republic of Ireland Under-19 soccer team to a hard-earned 1-0 win over mini-tournament hosts Albania to get their UEFA Championships qualifying campaign off to a bright start in Tirana on Thursday.

And he was an influential figure in midfield again in Durres on Saturday when a comfortable 5-0 victory against Gibraltar ensure qualification for the elite phase.

The mini-tournament will conclude with a clash against Germany in Durres today (Tuesday, 1 p.m.).