SHAY GIVEN TIPS OBAFEMI TO BECOME IRELAND’S FUTURE STAR

The Republic of Ireland secured their first ever Nations League victory, and they did it in style, beating Scotland 3-0 at the Aviva Stadium. Stephen Kenny’s side started on the front foot and were rewarded after 20 minutes as Alan Browne bundled the ball home from a corner, before Troy Parrott added a second eight minutes later, timing his run to perfection to help Michael Obafemi’s ball home. And provider turned goalscorer six minutes into the second half as Obafemi grabbed the goal of the game with a wonderstrike from outside the box to wrap up the win.

Another bright start for Ireland with Knight again showing early, as Kennys’s side looked to bring more energy to the side following two defeats, and it took less that four minutes to work their first attack on goal as Alan Browne’s clipped the ball into box, with Parrott lurking, however, Craig Gordon did enough to clear the danger. The Scots were slow to get going but looked very dangerous once up the field with Anthony Ralston outmuscling James McClean before playing a dangerous ball across the face. Andy Robertson arrived in from the left and let fly but Browne made a vital block.

Then in the 13th minute, two moments of madness in quick succession as Ireland looked to play out from the back, however, the Scotland attack were unable to capitalise. Six minutes later, Obafemi almost on end of a James McClean cross but for the slightest touch from Scott McKenna to take it out for a corner. Scotland looked for a reaction but were almost handed a gift as Kelleher again opted to go short to Duffy. The press paid off and McGinn arrived unmarked with a clear look at goal from the edge of the box but smashed it wide.

And a minute later the net was bulging, but it was up the other end as Obafemi lifted a delightful ball over the top of the defence for the arriving Parrott, who cushioned the header past Gordon into the back of the net. Shay Given has tipped the youngster to become a star for the country.