Hoban skippers Irish through to elite phase (From Watford Observer)

Watford defender Tommie Hoban captains Republic of Ireland through to elite qualifying round of UEFA Under-19 European Championships

10:17am Monday 15th October 2012 in Watford FC News By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor

Tommie Hoban captained Republic of Ireland Under-19s through to the elite qualifying round of the UEFA European Championships with a 1-0 victory over Macedonia.

Having scored in his country’s 5-2 over Luxembourg on Thursday, the Watford defender picked up a yellow card in the 20th minute of Saturday’s contest for a foul outside the penalty area.

However, Hoban and his team-mates kept Macedonia at bay as a goal from Mikey Drennan sealed Ireland’s qualification in the 81st minute.

Manager Paul Doolin told the Irish FA’s official website: “I’m delighted with the win and that we’ve done what we came out here to do and qualified for the elite phase from this group.

“This is only the second time that this group of players have met up having had their first friendly last month in Latvia and to come out of these two games with six points is a great achievement particularly with the injuries which we’ve also had in the build up to this trip. So to achieve what they have in those circumstances is a fantastic achievement.”

Ireland play Germany in their final qualifying game tomorrow to decide who will top their group.

The Germans beat Luxembourg 5-0 on Saturday to also secure their place for the elite phase, with the finals taking place in Lithuania next summer.

Elsewhere, Cristian Battochio played for 72 minutes during Italy Under-20's 4-1 defeat to Germany.