GEORGE Goodman came close to scoring for Northern Ireland under-19s in their defeat to Italy in the Euro finals last night.
The hosts were beaten 3-0 by the defending champion Italians in Larne.
But City second-year scholar Goodman played just over an hour after being named in Gareth McAuley’s starting line-up.
And the centre half almost had a goal in the first half to cap off his night.
Italy took the lead on 15 minutes when Aaron Ciammaglichella nodded on in a scramble for Kevin Zeroli to fire on the turn past Northern Ireland keeper Pierce Charles.
But Goodman nearly levelled when he poked Blaine McClure’s effort towards goal – only for Italian keeper Renato Marin to pull off a good save before the ball was scrambled clear.
Italy doubled their lead in stoppage time at the end of the half as Francesco Camarda pounced on a poor back pass.
The third goal came soon after the break with Camarda doubling his tally from a cross by sub Vittorio Magni.
Northern Ireland play their final group game on Sunday against Norway.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here