Midfielder Josh Carson’s full international debut ended in a heavy defeat as his Northern Ireland side was thrashed 5-0 by Damien Delaney’s Republic of Ireland in their Carling Nations Cup clash in Dublin.

Carson started the game brightly, making one or two promising runs but as the Republic took control, the 17-year-old faded along with the rest of his team, who ended the first period 3-0 down via goals from Stephen Ward, Robbie Keane and Craig Cathcart (OG).

Northern Ireland’s plight worsened after the break when Watford’s Adam Thompson was red-carded for a professional foul, captain Keane netting his second of the game from the spot.

The second half was rather a non-event after that, Town target Simon Cox adding the fifth on his Republic of Ireland debut shortly after Carson had been subbed on 73.

Blues defender Damien Delaney had a solid if largely unchallenging game at the back for the Republic, picking up his fourth full cap and swapping shirts with former Town team-mate Gareth McAuley, who was skippering his side, at the final whistle.

Coach Nigel Worthington was impressed with Carson's display: “Young Josh Carson, for his age, I thought it was a splendid debut and one for the future.”

The Antrim-born player is now Town's second youngest full international behind Bermudian Reggie Lambe, pushing Jaime Peters into third.

Northern Ireland next take on Wales in Dublin on Friday in another Carling Nations Cup match.

Debutant Carson was interviewed by a number of Northern Irish sources prior to the game, including BBC NI and the Irish FA.

Republic of Ireland: Given (Forde 72), McShane, Ward, Kelly, Delaney, Coleman (Lawrence 55), Foley (Hunt 70), Andrews, Treacy; Cox, Keane (Keogh 62). Unused: St Ledger, O'Dea, Randolph.

Northern Ireland: Blayney, Thompson, Cathcart, McAuley, Hodson, Carson (McGinn 73), Clingan, Davis (Garrett 76), Gorman (Coates 55), McQuoid (Norwood 46), Feeney (Boyce 73). Unused: Tuffey, Dallas, Owens, Winchester.

Photo: Action Images

arc added 22:18 - May 24 Has anyone said anything about how he ranks in terms of youngest Northern Ireland players? He must be in the top ten.
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Blue4life added 22:18 - May 24 Nice to see the shirt swap + carson sounded as if he had a good game overall but he will learn more with games + i would love town to sign simon cox ... coz for what ive seen of him he looks like he knows where the net is.
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BLUEBEAT added 22:23 - May 24 McAuley! You Suck! :D
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theblueginger added 22:24 - May 24 i wouldnt mind cox-wouldve been good for st ledger to have played alongside delaney, early chance to get up some chemistry before he joins (me hopes)
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Crock added 22:43 - May 24 Haha! Loser!
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CanadianBlue added 23:23 - May 24 I agree with Blue4life. Good to hear about the shirt swap and would love to see Simon Cox in a town shirt.
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churchmans added 00:42 - May 25 5 goals past a central defence which contains mccauley! and theres people out there saying we have a big hole to fill hahahaha yeah right!
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ITFC4daprem added 07:39 - May 25 unlucky he played 72 mins at 17
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timmy2guns added 08:03 - May 25 Always good to see a town player getting a full cap. But for me, Carson has a long way to go and we shouldn't get too excited. Not too sound too negative, but lets be realistic. I am sure there are many no-hopers who have a couple of NI caps, and many a town youth player who we hoped would be the next thing. Its evident that he has a lot of energy, but plays like a youth team player, trying things that he could get away with at that level, which is why I think some fans mistakenly think he is great, but he runs around like a headless chicken at times. He is yet to find that maturity that Connor has developed, which he will need to do soon. He's done well to earn a full cap at his age, but I think this season will set the standard for his career. Hopefully he will have some influence on a positive campaign.

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dirtydingusmagee added 08:19 - May 25 nice contribution Crock,
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DiamondGezzer added 08:30 - May 25 I should imagine that score line won't have done his confidence much good.
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brian_a_mul added 08:37 - May 25 I saw the game last night, Carson did start very well but after 20 minutes diddnt see too much from him in an attacking sence. Josh diddnt stop running and at least gave a good effort but the NI team was very poor. The rep of Ire had the ball for most of the game and sliced easily through the midfield and defense of NI. Cox was impressive though. Would be a fantastic signing for Town but I think West Brom will be keeping hold of him. He can definately play at Prem Level.

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IITFC1948 added 09:19 - May 25 I know RK is not our manager now and they are all irish,just wondering if anyone caught your eye who could do a job for us,i like the look of Keith Andrews who is not getting a lot of game time at Blackburn
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SouperJim added 09:37 - May 25 Turned it off at 4-0. Up to that point, every goal had been down to a poor defensive or goalkeeping error and to be fair to McAuley, none of them were much to do with him. Obviously I'm biased, but Carson looked like NI's best attacking player. Also agree with others, Cox looked a decent little striker, can see why PJ wanted him.
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itfc1981 added 12:04 - May 25 I wish Worthington was in charge of the scum still
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blue_em_away added 12:31 - May 25 itfc1981 He might be in with a shout for next season when they loose their manager to west ham
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Scuzzer added 12:37 - May 25 Same as you SouperJim. 1st goal = Goalkeeping error. 2nd goal = hopeful back pass from the left back. 3rd goal = Own Goal....not by MCauley. 4th goal = Penalty conceeded not by MCauley ....and why did the ref send the poor youngster off for that! 5th goal....errr didnt see it..but I bet it wasnt down to MCauley. And they were down to 10 men anyway. Carson did OK I thought...absolutely no way NI could get into the Republics Box while playing Feaney up front alone. Was actualy impressed by Delaney in what little he had to do.

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brian_a_mul added 15:29 - May 25 Well ITFC1948, I think Andrews has a future at Blackburn. He has had a bad season with injuries but would be considered a first team players at Rovers. But you never know if Blackburn will bring in new players, if they do I think he would stay in PL anyway. Keith Treacy could be a decent option. He plays with Preston and would almost certainly be looking for a new club. He is only 23/24, lively, scores a few and is a good crosser. I know we are well covered out wide but he would be a good addition. Also St LEdger is his club mate so a double signing would be great business for us.

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churchmans added 19:22 - May 25 get used to it carson we will heavy defeats in the league if we dont get the right players
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riley26 added 23:51 - May 25 Agree about Keith Treacy, should be able to get him fairly cheap in a deal with St.Ledger. Hoping that no news is good news at the moment.
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ITFC4daprem added 08:03 - May 26 all part of the learning process well done mac and dd
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