‘We’d want to be going all the way’ – Dundalk teen defender Vinnie Leonard on playing without fear at U-17 World Cup

Ireland’s Vinnie Leonard celebrates with teammate Ramon Martos during the Fifa Under-17 World Cup Group J victory over Uzbekistan at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile

Ireland U-17 defender Vinnie Leonard insists his side must play without fear as their World Cup round of 32 clash looms later this week.

Colin O’Brien’s young guns made history last Saturday as a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan booked their place in the knockout stage for the first time in the team’s history, with the Young Boys in Green looking to top the table in their final group match against Paraguay this afternoon in Qatar (1.30).