Glasgow Celtic pair Graham Carey and Paul Cahillane shared the goal-scoring as Ireland beat 3-1 in an U18 international today in Mafra, Lisbon.

Ireland are taking part in a quadrangular invitation tournament along with hosts Portugal and Belgium as all four teams prepare for next season’s UEFA Championship qualifiers at U19 level.

Portugal won the other match today, beating Belgium 3-0. Now Ireland will play Belgium tomorrow (Friday) and if the succeed in winning there then their final match against Portugal on Sunday will be a tournament decider.

Ireland led 1-0 at half-time after Celtic’s Carey had opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Georgia fought back to regain equality early in the second half but a second goal for Carey and another from his club-mate Cahillane saw Ireland open their tournament on an encouraging note.

This match afforded Ireland’s manager, Sean McCaffrey, an opportunity of bringing a new selection together. He will continue to look at all of those players who are eligible for next season’s UEFA Championship between now and September.

The only downside to today’s win was a red card for goal-scorer Carey late in the game as Ireland finished with ten men.