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.