Nolan was on target for Ireland in their first match

ROVERS under 19 internationals Eddie Nolan and Joe Garner won't be featuring in the UEFA Under 19 Championships in Poland this summer after both the Republic of Ireland and England crashed out at the Elite phase.

Grouped with Slovakia, Turkey and Georgia, the Irish side found it tough going, losing the first game against Slovakia last Friday 3-2 although Rovers defender Eddie Nolan had briefly levelled for the Irish from the penalty spot early in the game.

On Sunday the Republic faced group favourites Turkey and were easily defeated 3-1. The loss meant that Ireland could no longer qualify.

Their final group game against Georgia today in the battle for the third and fourth places, saw Georgia defeat the Irish 3-2. The result meant they finished bottom of their group.

Also in Belgium were England, but they too left mainland Europe defeated. Their first game last Thursday saw them against hosts Belgium but the home side were two strong winning 2-1 despite Joe Garner netting the late consolation.

England put that disappointment behind them on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Northern Ireland to give them a chance of qualifying going into the last game, but a shock 1-0 win by Serbia & Montenegro yesterday meant defeat for England.

Like the Irish, England finished bottom of their group.