Ireland U-21s thrash Israel in Euro qualifier

Reece Grego-Cox netted a hat-trick, as Ireland Under-21s thrashed Israel 4-0 at the Tallaght Stadium in European Qualifier Group 5 on Monday.

The result, Ireland U-21s second-highest victory in their history, sees Noel King's side consolidate their position at the top of the group with ten points from four matches. 

Second-placed Germany, who have six points from two wins from two matches, travel to Drammen to take on Norway on Tuesday.

QPR striker Grego-Cox opened the scoring for Ireland after just 35 seconds, prodding home his R's team-mate Ryan Manning's low cross from the left at the near post.

Harry Charsley doubled Ireland's lead on 35 minutes from Josh Cullen's clever deflected knee pass, after more good work from Ireland down the left flank, this time from Grego-Cox.

Grego-Cox netted his second from the penalty spot before half-time, after Ronan Curtis was tripped in the box by the Israel goalkeeper Omri Glazer.

And the London-born striker, 20, completed his hat-trick on 51 minutes with a tap-in on the goalline after Glazer could only block Curtis' shot, having gifted the Derry City forward the shooting chance by flapping at a Manning corner from the right.

Afterwards King was thrilled with his side's display: "It was a great performance throughout. We kept our discipline throughout the game and to get the fourth goal in the second-half really clinched the game for us.

"We've been in all week and a lot of effort went into it, from the players and the staff as well, so it is a great reward for their hard work. We would have liked to have got two wins in the week but to stay unbeaten and to get 10 points out of 12 puts us in a great position."

King's assistant, Hary McHugh, paid tribute to the depth in the squad: "The best thing about this group is that the starting XI know there is so much quality in the squad, that someone on the bench can take their place if they don't perform.

"It's a long campaign and the whole squad will definitely get their chance to impress but it definitely keeps everyone on their toes. I've really been impressed with the whole group and we need to keep that spirit high for the rest of the campaign.

Photo Inpho/ Bryan Keane

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