Keogh helps Irish make their point
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Article summary
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Montenegro
The Republic of Ireland needed the scoring touch of senior international Andy Keogh to earn a draw at home.
Article top media content
Article body
The Republic of Ireland needed the scoring touch of senior international Andy Keogh to earn a draw at home to qualifying Group 3 opponents Montenegro.
All-square
The Wolverhampton Wanderers FC forward restored parity to the contest within five minutes of defender Mijusko Bojovic giving Montenegro a surprise 68th-minute lead in Galway.
Motivation
The Republic Under-21s were being watched by Liam Brady, the recently-appointed assistant of new national team coach Giovanni Trapattoni, and wanted to restore pride after four defeats in five qualifiers. However, their UEFA European Championship campaign appeared to be taking another turn for the worse when Bojovic scored past goalkeeper Shane Supple midway through the second half.
Comeback
The equaliser came when Keogh – selected alongside fellow full internationals Darron Gibson, Anthony Stokes and Joe O'Cearuill – powered in a header from Conor Powell's cross. Ireland remain three points behind their third-placed visitors in the section.