While the senior side may have suffered an already infamous defeat at the hands of Andorra last night, there was some better news when it came to the Ireland U21s.

Jim Crawford’s side would not produce their best display in their Euro qualifier at the Aviva Stadium, finding themselves level at halftime despite being huge favourites in this fixture.

They would eventually manage to get three points, with Shamrock Rovers forward Michael Noonan grabbing the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win.

65 mins: Ireland 1-0 Andorra
He was just on the pitch but a superb strike from Michael Noonan gives Ireland the lead in this #U21 Euro qualifier #rtesport @IrelandFootball pic.twitter.com/CbSZmvqX9m

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 9, 2025

That was enough for Ireland to maintain their perfect start to the qualifying group.

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Liverpool Winger Praised After Electric Display On Ireland U21 Debut

Last night’s game was a nervy one for Ireland at times, although the introduction of an uncapped player at halftime would end up having a decisive impact on the match.

Liverpool’s Trent Kone-Doherty was sprung from the bench for the second half, going on to provide the assist for Noonan’s winner.

The 19-year old has been a highly rated prospect for quite some time, making the move from Derry City to Merseyside as a 16-year old. He has since gone on to impress in various Liverpool underage sides, also making his senior debut in an FA Cup game against Plymouth Argyle earlier this year.

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With this being his first appearance for Ireland at U21 level, he caught the eye with his excellent dribbling ability.

Kone Doherty is some dribbler for Ireland. Don’t know if he has any end product yet but superb running with the ball

— Dodge (@seidodge) September 9, 2025

Trent Kone-Doherty came on to make his Ireland U21 debut tonight; was relentlessly direct and picked up an impressive assist for Michael Noonan that turned out to be the winner.

— Lewis Bower (@LewisBower2021) September 9, 2025

Trent Kone-Doherty gets an assist for Ireland U21’s.

Such an exciting player!

— 🅘 (@LFCApproved) September 9, 2025

Trent Kone-Doherty is a proper player.

Not afraid to run at players!

Could have a big future with Ireland. We need some exciting players 🙏#IRLU21 #COYBIG

— Dave O’Grady (@DaveOGrady1) September 9, 2025

One positve with Irish football tonight was the impact of Kone-Doherty off the bench for the 21s. 💪

— John OB (@objohnob) September 9, 2025

Trent Kone-Doherty looks like some player #IRLU21 #COYBIG

— Kieran Smithers (@SmileySmithers) September 9, 2025

While this was his first appearance of the campaign, you get the sense that Trent Kone-Doherty is likely to be handed a larger role in Jim Crawford’s side over the coming months.

Speaking on RTÉ after the game, the winger admitted that he hoped he would see an increase in his playing time after his performance against Andorra. He also opened up on the impact that his exposure to the Liverpool first team environment has had on his development in recent times.

Trent Kone-Doherty played his part in setting up Michael Noonan for Ireland’s winner against Andorra in the #U21 Euro qualifier, with the Derry native and Liverpool player determined to make an impact #rtesport #rtesport pic.twitter.com/oHaQmbHCPg

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 9, 2025

I want to show the manager anytime I get the chance to get minutes, I want to show him that I want to be playing.

Obviously the coach will make his decisions so if I’m not playing then when I come on, I’m just going to try and make an impact, and obviously we got the win today and me and Michael made out impact…

Some of the best players in the world so anytime I get to train or if the manager trusts me to get minutes, I’ll believe in myself and obviously it’s the best team in the world so can’t complain.

Certainly a young man to keep a close eye on.

Ireland still have a long way to go in this campaign, with fixtures against the likes of England and Slovakia still to come. Despite this, they will take plenty of belief away from this window after starting the group with two victories.

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