Ireland win seven-goal thriller with Faroes

All seven goals were scored in the first half as the Republic of Ireland completed the double over the Faroe Islands in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 6.

The visitors, having trailed 3-0, reduced the arrears to one when Gunnar Zachariasen found the net for the second time, only for Anthony Forde and Aiden O'Brien to restore Ireland's commanding advantage before the break. The win lifts Noel King's team up a position to third, level on points with second-placed Montenegro, their opponents in Podgorica on Tuesday.

Samir Carruthers scored the opening goal of a breathless first period with 17 minutes on the clock, receiving Callum Reilly's pass and shooting past Teitur Gestson. O'Brien seized on a poor defensive clearance to make it two and Jack Grealish headed the third from Anthony O'Connor's right-wing cross.

Zachariasen gave the Faroese hope, his second goal a penalty awarded after Ireland captain Shane Duffy climbed on Ragnar Nattestad, but a stunning strike from Forde and a close-range O'Brien effort quickly nipped the minnows' recovery in the bud.