Shayne to the rescue

Albania U21 1 Northern Ireland U21 1

SHAYNE LAVERY struck a late equaliser as Northern Ireland went top of their European U21 Championship qualifying group.

The Everton forward (above) stepped off the substitutes’ bench to rescue a point for Ian Baraclough’s side after Ylber Ramadani’s goal appeared to have sealed Albania victory.

Ramadani broke the deadlock for Albania in the 83rd minute but the Irish hit back through Lavery, a second half replacement for Paul Smyth, in the 89th minute.

The Irish are a point clear of Spain in Group Two who play Slovakia on Tuesday.