DIFFERENT LEAGUE

Leonard insists senior experience gives Ireland an edge in dark arts

- By MARK McCADDEN

VINNIE Leonard has highlighted one huge advantage of having so many players with first team experience at the Under-17 World Cup.

He reckons Ireland are better schooled in the dark arts than many of their rivals.

Leonard was a key player in Dundalk's successful First Division title tilt. He became the club's youngest ever goalscorer and attracted interest from France, Italy and England over the course of the campaign.

Celtic and Norwich are among the clubs keeping tabs on the 17-year-old as he stars for the Boys in Green in Qatar.

Next up for Colin O'Brien's side is this afternoon's final group game against Paraguay. A point would be enough to secure a first place finish, after wins against Panama and Uzbekistan.