August 15 2001

Crystal Palace

Palace hotshot Clinton Morrison scored tonight on his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland. His goal in the second half against Croatia put Ireland 2-0 up, however Croatia scored two goals late on to snatch a draw.

Morrison came on early in the second half, and made an immediate impact with a header which whizzed over the opposition crossbar.

Holding the ball up well, Morrison looked very accomplished and his efforts were rewarded on 71 minutes.

Jason McAteer was set up by a brilliant through pass from David Connolly - McAteer's resulting shot was parried by the Croatian keeper, and Morrison was on-hand to pass the ball into an empty net.

Morrison's goal put Ireland 2-0 up, after Damien Duff's superb strike in the first half. However, a headed goal from substitute Vugrinvec, and a penalty from ex-West Ham striker Davor Suker, leveled the score at 2-2.

Morrison said after the match: "I've been nervous all week but I knew as soon as I came to the pitch I would score.

"I'm just pleased to get on the pitch and play with such great players."

Speaking about his debut goal he said: "I don't care how it went in, I'm just pleased to score.

"I enjoyed myself and I learned a lot, I'm going to take a lot back to Palace."

Meanwhile, Aki Riihilahti played the full 90 minutes of Finland's 4-1 victory at home to Belgium.