Image:Robbie Brady: Penalty not enough for Republic of Ireland Under 21s
Republic of Ireland Under 21s saw their slim hopes of reaching the European Championship qualification play-offs ended by a defeat to Hungary.
Brady goal not enough for Irish
Republic of Ireland Under 21s saw their slim hopes of reaching the European Championship qualification play-offs ended by a narrow defeat to Hungary in Kecskemet.
Needing a win to stand any chance going into Monday's game with group winners Italy, the Irish were undone in an eventful first half.
Rhys Murphy headed just wide for the visitors from a Conor Henderson cross after 12 minutes, but Leicester's Marko Futacs hit Hungary's opener from 25 yards in the 15th minute.
The hosts extended their lead in the 27th minute when Istvan Kovacs finished off a swift counter-attack by firing home from a Futacs cross.
Manchester United's Robbie Brady set a new record of seven under-age goals for his country when he brought his side back into the game from the penalty spot in the 39th minute.
Aidan White fired a glorious chance to equalise wide just before the break, before McLoughlin saved a Futacs penalty after a handball in the box by Shane Duffy.
