Ryan with U-21 squad

RYAN DELANEY from New Ross was an unused substitute with the Republic of Ireland Under-21 soccer side when they were held to a goal-less draw by Norway in Tallaght Stadium in the UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign on Thursday.

And the Cork Ciy central defender was also due to feature with the squad yesterday (Monday) when they took on Israel at the same venue.

Meanwhile, another talented young man from just over the bridge in New Ross, Thomas O’Connor, featured with the international Under-19 squad in their qualifying round mini-tournament which is ongoing in the south-east.

While the Southampton lad didn’t figure against Azerbaijan on Wednesday, he was in action on Saturday when they trashed Cyprus 5-0.

The former Good Counsel College student, who hails from Rosbercon, filled a midfield role for the full 90 minutes.

Ireland will be in action for the third and final time in the R.S.C. today (Tuesday) against Serbia at 1 p.m.