TOWN loan defender Richard Keogh played the full 90 minutes last night for the Republic of Ireland Under 21s against England in Cork.

The 21-year-old centre-back was unable to help prevent England coasting to a 3-0 victory in front of the live Sky cameras, a result which leaves Stuart Pearce’s side top of Group III on a maximum 12 points from four matches.

The Republic are bottom with no points from two, having gone down to two goals from West Ham’s Mark Noble and another by Newcastle’s James Milner.

A bonus for Town manager Andy Ritchie, looking ahead to Saturday’s crucial League I clash with Oldham at the Galpharm, was that midfielder Michael Collins got to put his feet up just 48 hours after facing Doncaster..

Collins, who played the whole of the 2-0 defeat at the Keepmoat Stadium (as did Keogh) was among the Republic’s unused substitutes at Turner’s Cross as coach Don Givens opted to put on only Conor Powell (66 minutes) and Stephen Gleeson (two minutes from time).

“It wasn’t easy,” said England boss Pearce.

“But we took our chances when they arose.

“I think we created our own good fortune.

“It was not one-way traffic so we made it easier with our finishing.

“There were one or two scares but we had that cutting edge on the break.”

Keogh and Collins will be back in training with Town tomorrow.