Donegal pair McLaughlin and Patton shine in Ireland U-19s win over Kazakhstan

Finn Harps players Aaron McLaughlin and Sean Patton, who is currently on loan from Derry City, both played key roles in Ireland's U-19 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan in the Slovenia Nations Cup on Saturday.

St Patrick’s Athletic’s Luke Kehir, who was a late addition to the Irish squad, opened the scoring after seven minutes when his effort was deemed to have crossed the line.

Just four minutes later, Shamrock Rovers’ Dillon doubled Ireland’s lead, though Kazakhstan responded with a goal from Ayan Baidavletov around the half-hour mark.

Dillon secured his second goal of the match 10 minutes into the second half. A long ball was held up by Harps’ Aaron McLaughlin, who then set up Dillon to lob the oncoming goalkeeper, making it 3-1.

Ireland will now face Slovenia on Tuesday morning, aiming to conclude their September camp on a positive note.

Drumkeen native Patton, who is on loan from Derry City, made his Under 19 debut in March of this year against Slovakia in a friendly and scored as Ireland won 3-1 while also starting last week in Ireland's clash against France.

Patton played five games in the Premier Division for the Candy Stripes before going on loan to the Harps this summer. He scored the winner on his debut against Kerry and has made seven appearances to date.

While Kerrykeel native McLaughlin made his debut for the U-19 side last week and so far, he's made 12 appearances for the Harps this season.