THE Republic of Ireland under 21s bowed out of the Intercontinental Cup in Malaysia at the semi-final stage after going down 3-1 to Australia.

Rovers forward Alan Judge scored his first goal at under 21 level, but against an older and stronger opposition, they couldn't find away past the under 23 Socceroos.

Illness in the Irish camp proved to be an issue during, before the game Eddie Nolan was one of two players unwell to take part, and the Irish task was made all the more difficult when they lost two further players midway through the first half, again through illness. But by then the Irish were already down 2-0 courtesy of a brace from Matthew Simon.

The lively Keith Treacy and Judge both played the full ninety minutes, but it was Simon who went onto complete his hat-trick before Judge struck six minutes from time with a low strike from outside of the box.

Nigeria went onto win the competition, defeating Australia 2-0 in the final.