Clinical Ireland U21s keep their Euros dream alive

Republic of Ireland U21s 3-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina U21s

The Republic of Ireland produced a clinical performance at Tallaght Stadium to sweep past Bosnia and Herzegovina and pick up a crucial three points in their quest to make the UEFA European Under-21 Championships.

Will Smallbone's 17th-minute effort - following a first-time lay-off from Mipo Odubeko - separated the sides after a cagey first half.

Powerful, low shot from Will Smallbone finds the net underneath the body of the goalkeeper to give #IRLU21 a 1-0 lead against Bosnia & Herzegovina #COYBIG | #WeAreOne #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/sLJBFLRJbh

However Ireland were indebted to Derry City stopper Brian Maher for keeping their lead intact. He pulled off a brilliant save to deny the impressive Jasmin Osmic just before the hour mark.

That came moments after Lee O'Connor had cleared Tarik Muharemovic's header off the line, but Ireland then produced a sucker-punch as Odubeko finished off a high-quality counter involving Ross Tierney to make it 2-0 on 63 minutes.

Smallbone struck again with nine minutes to go to make absolutely sure of it as the Boys in Green set up a massive climax to their campaign.

The local boy strikes in Tallaght as Mipo Odubeko fires #IRLU21 2-0 up against Bosnia & Herzegovina after a nice pass through by Ross Tierney #COYBIG #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/hC9YQe81WW

They remain third in Group F, one point behind Italy and Sweden. Crucially, the Irish have a game in hand on the Swedes.

They next face Montenegro at home on Monday, before travelling to Italy for their final group match on 14 June. Sweden host Italy on Thursday 9 June in another game that will have major ramifications.

Two more wins could see Ireland win the group but a play-off place would still