Gillingham loan man Tom O’Connor played the first half for Republic of Ireland under-21 side’s 2-1 win in Luxembourg.

The young Irish side - missing several key players after they were needed for the senior squad - had already accepted missing out on a place in the UEFA Euro 21 championship.

O’Connor, on loan with Gillingham from Southampton, started the match but was withdrawn at the break with Ireland 1-0 up, thanks to a goal from Joshua Kayode. They went onto win 2-1.

Ireland were looking for six points from their last two qualifying matches but suffered a defeat to Iceland in their previous game, with O’Connor making a late appearance in that game.

The Kilkenny-born 21-year-old will now return to the Gills ahead of their match against Charlton Athletic on Saturday but may have to accept a place on the bench after missing on international duty for a week.

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