Carson's Northern Ireland Thrashed By Delaney's Republic

Midfielder Josh Carson’s full international debut ended in a heavy defeat as his Northern Ireland side was thrashed 5-0 by Damien Delaney’s Republic of Ireland in their Carling Nations Cup clash in Dublin.

Carson started the game brightly, making one or two promising runs but as the Republic took control, the 17-year-old faded along with the rest of his team, who ended the first period 3-0 down via goals from Stephen Ward, Robbie Keane and Craig Cathcart (OG).

Northern Ireland’s plight worsened after the break when Watford’s Adam Thompson was red-carded for a professional foul, captain Keane netting his second of the game from the spot.

The second half was rather a non-event after that, Town target Simon Cox adding the fifth on his Republic of Ireland debut shortly after Carson had been subbed on 73.

Blues defender Damien Delaney had a solid if largely unchallenging game at the back for the Republic, picking up his fourth full cap and swapping shirts with former Town team-mate Gareth McAuley, who was skippering his side, at the final whistle.

Meanwhile, debutant Carson was interviewed by a number of Northern Irish sources prior to the game, including BBC NI and the Irish FA.

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

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