‘He is a fantastic individual’ – Jim Crawford hails U-21 history-maker Michael Noonan after Andorra winner

Michael Noonan of Ireland scores his side's winning goal during the UEFA European U21 Championship qualifying match against Andorra at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Ireland U-21 boss Jim Crawford has hailed the maturity of history-maker Michael Noonan as the 17-year-old’s ‘wonder goal’ against Andorra last night saw him become the team’s youngest ever goalscorer.

It was proving a frustrating night for the U-21s against the bottom-seeds as, with the Euro 2027 qualifier scoreless after the hour mark, Noonan made an instant impact with a superb finish from 25 yards just seconds after being introduced off the bench for his second cap.

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