Northern Ireland U17s coach Andy Waterworth saluted his young guns after they shot down their Republic of Ireland counterparts 3-1 at Seaview.
The comfortable victory in the U17 Euro qualifiers followed the win over Scotland by the same scoreline and sees the side cruise into the next phase of competition.
An Oisin McDonagh own goal gave the hosts an early lead and Ceadach O’Neill found the net with a stunning finish on 54 minutes.
Derry City’s Cead McGrath made it 3-0 in the 67th minute before Michael Noonan grabbed a consolation for the visitors on 80 minutes.
Arsenal youngster O’Neill produced a sublime performance, but it was a collective effort that delighted former Linfield striker Waterworth.
“I’m a very proud coach,” said Waterworth. “We have an excellent group of players with great character and ability.
“We aren’t getting carried away but we have qualified for the elites again and in emphatic style.
“It is a great time to be in the Northern Ireland youth pathway.”
Waterworth’s side will next take on Lithuania at the home of Crusaders on Monday (3.00pm) but they have already secured their spot in Round 2 League A. Scotland defeated Lithuania 2-1 in Friday’s other game.
Northern Ireland U17s have now progressed from the qualifying (first) round to the elite round of Uefa U17 Euro qualifiers for three consecutive seasons.
Waterworth, who is being supported by Kris Lindsay, David Miskelly and Gareth McAuley, made only two changes from the starting side that defeated Scotland in the opening game, bringing in Alex Watson and young Tottenham striker George Feeney in place of Joel Kerr and Christopher Atherton.
Pressure from the impressive O’Neill led to the own goal and the Republic threatened when Grady McDonnell shook the woodwork.
After the break O’Neill converted from Matthew Burns’ delivery and then he turned provider for defender McGrath to further extend his side’s lead.
Noonan scored late on but the home side saw the job through with little stress.
In round one the top two teams in 14 groups qualify to take part in Round 2 League A which will decide the seven teams joining hosts Albania in next summer’s Finals and the other teams transfer to Round 2 League B.
Northern Ireland U17s: McDonnell, Gamble, McDonnell, Leacock, McCann, Burns, Savage (captain), Watson, O’Neill, McGovern, Feeney.
Substitutes: Kerr, Atherton, Hamilton, Robinson, Eakin, McGrath, Kerr, Orpwood, Faloona, Hawe.
Republic of Ireland U17s: Noonan, Oladiti, McDonagh, Sherlock, Solanke, McDonnell, Finneran, Brown, Hayes, Noonan, Umeh.
Substitutes: Brody, Ogbonna, Leonard, Martos, Tollett, Topcu, Canny, Keely, O’Neill.
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