SOCCER

IRELAND have qualified for the elite phase of the U-17 European Championship courtesy of a 3-0 win yesterday over hosts Bulgaria in the first qualifying round.

Adam Idah, who scored a hat-trick in Tuesday’s 6-0 win over Azerbaijan, scored twice and Barry Coffey was also on the mark.

Ireland will play Ukraine on Monday needing just a point to confirm their progression as group winners thanks to their superior goal difference.