INTERNATIONAL: OCTOBER ROUND-UP

INTERNATIONAL: OCTOBER ROUND-UP

United stars in action.

A number of Leeds United players have been in action over the past few days as the group stage for European qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup came to an end.

Stuart Dallas was in action for Northern Ireland, but was unable to prevent his country from slipping to two defeats, however Michael O'Neill's side have secured a play-off spot after finishing runners-up in Group C.  Dallas came on at half time as Northern Ireland were defeated at home 3-1 by Germany and played 90 minutes in the 1-0 away loss to Norway.  The draw for the play-off will take place on Tuesday 17th October.

Ezgjan Alioski played 180 minutes as he helped Macedonia pick up four points in Group G.   Macedonia picked up a point away against Italy in a 1-1 draw, with Aleksandar Trajkovski netting a 77th minute equaliser in Turin.  Macedonia then wrapped up their Group G campaign with a 4-0 home win against Liechtenstein, finishing in fifth place with 11 points.

Eunan O'Kane linked up with the Republic of Ireland, who dramatically secured a play-off spot by finishing runners-up in Group D.  O'Kane was an unused substitute in the 2-0 home win over Moldova, setting up a winner takes all clash with Wales in Cardiff.  O'Kane didn't feature in the squad, but James McClean's 77th minute strike, ensured the Republic a play-off place and ensured Wales will not be at Russia in 2018.

Liam Cooper was an unused substitute in both of Scotland's Group F games, as their campaign ended in heartache.  A last minute winner against Slovakia, meant that a win in Slovenia would secure Gordon Strachan's side a play-off spot.  However, Scotland could only draw 2-2 and Slovakia's 3-0 victory over Malta, meant that Scotland missed out on second spot on goal difference.

Conor Shaughnessy was handed his Republic of Ireland Under-21s debut from the bench in the 4-0 victory over Israel, whilst Oliver Sarkic and Jay-Roy Grot were unable to prevent Montenegro Under-21s and the Netherlands Under-20s from slipping to two defeats.

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