Watford duo Connor Smith and Sean Murray started for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s against Montenegro but were unable to prevent a 2-1 loss in their UEFA Championship qualifying round match this afternoon.

Smith played the whole 90 minutes of the contest and recieved a yellow card in the 67th minute while Murray was taken off with 12 minutes left to play.

Hornets defender Tommie Hoban was an unused substitute in the defeat at Tallaght Stadium.

Smith, Murray and Hoban are all graduates of Watford's academy set-up.

Matt Doherty gave the Irish a dream start as he put the hosts ahead early on in the first half but two goals in quick succession from Luka Djordjević in the 75th minute and then Stefan Mugoša in the 77th minute turned the game on its head.