Mayo man helps Ireland secure a draw with Belgium

A goal in the final minute of the game earned Belgium a 2-2 draw today against the Republic of Ireland, for whom Mayo man Conor Walsh starred in goal.

The first of a pair friendlies between the teams in Spain this week ended all square, with Walsh - a former Westport United player who now lines out for Sligo Rovers - saving a penalty during the contest.

Belgium went ahead through a Noah Mawete Kinsiona strike but Franco Umeh of Cork City cancelled it out and his club-mate Mark O'Mahony put Ireland 2-1 up before the break with his eighth international goal of the season. This came just minutes after Conor Walsh's penalty save.

Ireland looked set to claim the win until Vicent Burlet's deflected cross found its way to the net in the 90th minute.

Head coach Colin O’Brien handed first Ireland starts to Honved Budapest’s Ivan Savshak and Shamrock Rovers’ Pharell Manuel for today's game in Marbella, while Senan Mullen (Dundalk), Dan McHale (UCD) and Sean McHale (St. Patrick's Athletic) all made their debuts.

The two sides meet each other again on Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is 2.30 p.m. Irish time.