Evan Ferguson produced “a great finish” to open his account for Republic of Ireland under-21s.

The Albion striker headed home to force a 1-1 draw with Israel in the first leg of a Euros qualifying play-off.

They were helped by an impressive performance from Aaron Connolly, the Albion forward on loan to Venezia.

Ireland boss Jim Crawford said: "It was a great finish from Evan. He has been scoring goals like that all week in training and it doesn't surprise me.

"It was a difficult game for him. It took him time to get going but he had moments of pure class and we should be excited by him.

“He is only 17 and to score for the under-21s in such an important game is fantastic, he has a brilliant attitude.”