An experimental Republic of Ireland Under-21 side drew 1-1 with Qatar's Olympic squad in a friendly in Aachen, Germany, on Saturday evening.

Qatar took the lead through Ahmed Alaaddin in the 32nd minute when he burst through to fire past Ian Lawlor, but Aston Villa's Mason Watkins-Clark levelled the game with a 92nd-minute header from Bradley Garmston's cross.

"It was a great boost to all the players to see the equaliser go in," said Ireland boss Noel King. "Mason had two headers previously just wide bursting through from midfield and he deserved to get the goal because he never gave up.

"The goal was the very last action of the game but we'll go home with a smile on the face. Everybody played and there were 15 players making first appearances at this level. It was a very competitive game against a very tough opponent."

Online Editors