George arrives for Ireland to deny Denmark

Paul George's added-time equaliser ensured the Republic of Ireland shared the points with Denmark in their UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round Group 3 opener in Greece.

Ireland had only been denied a half-time lead late in the first period when Viktor Fisher's penalty cancelled out Philip Roberts' opener. With three minutes left, Kenneth Zohore seemed to have won it for Denmark but substitute George, on his debut for the Republic, had other ideas.

Denmark had come close to a 25th-minute lead when Riza Durmisi unleashed a powerful shot, but was denied by Manchester United FC goalkeeper Joseph Coll, who also kept out Fischer's effort on the rebound. Four minutes later, against the run of play, Steven Smith sent a long cross into the Denmark box and Roberts' close-range header beat Oliver Korch.

It was level at the break, though, after Thomas Hoban handled in the box and Fisher squeezed his penalty past Coll's fingertips. Denmark were having more possession in an increasingly physical match and Zohore's right-footed shot from the edge of the area gave his side a late lead.

With time running out, though, George's effort deflected in via Korch's back. On Friday Ireland play hosts Greece, who opened with a 2-0 win against Denmark's next opponents Latvia.

John Morling, whose Ireland team will be without suspended Darragh Lenihan on Friday, said: "Denmark were as good as any team we've played this year. That includes the likes of Italy, Portugal, Holland and the Czech Republic so I'm happy with the performance."