March 27 2002

Clinton Morrison

Clinton O'Morrison capped a fine first start for the Republic of Ireland with the third goal in their 3-0 win at home to Denmark.

The hotshot, whose Gran is from Dublin, pounced in injury time after Ian Harte and Robbie Keane had given the Republic a comfortable two goal lead.

He ran onto a deflection at the edge of the box and on a one-on-one with the keeper, calmly side-footed into the right hand side of the net.

It was his second goal for his country after only five caps, which before today were as substitutes.

His general play was excellent with six shots on target and a sublime nutmeg on the wing, and has surely booked a place in this summer's World Cup squad.

Elsewhere on a busy night for Palace players, Andrejs Rubins scored the first goal in Latvia's 3-0 win away to Luxembourg. Reserve keeper Alex Kolinko played in goal.

Dougie Freedman was unable to get on the scoresheet for Scotland earning his second cap, as they were thrashed 5-0 by a rampant France side.

The United States lost 4-2 away to Germany, where Jovan Kirovski played the first 58 minutes and Gregg Berhalter came on in the 72nd minute.

Aki Riihilahti played in Finland's superb 4-1 victory at Portugal. Former Eagle Mikael Forssell scored one of the goals.

On Tuesday night, Ade Akinbiyi did not feature in Nigeria's 1-1 draw with Paraguay, played at Loftus Road.