Newcastle United forward Vakhtang Salia went close to scoring as Georgia Under-21s drew 1-1 with Northern Ireland in Thursday’s European Championship qualifier.
The teenager started at Ballymena Showgrounds and played 88 minutes, with Newcastle’s official international round-up also confirming a booking just before half-time.
According to the Irish FA’s match report, Salia sent an early effort narrowly past the post before Northern Ireland goalkeeper Stephen McMullan saved another attempt in the 24th minute.
Georgia eventually took the lead through Halid Doltmourziev in the 54th minute, but substitute Cole Brannigan equalised after 72 minutes.
Salia remained on the pitch until the closing stages as the visitors searched for a winner.
Vakhtang Salia builds on Newcastle scoring start
The appearance follows a productive opening to Salia’s club season. He scored four goals in his first five matches for Newcastle’s Under-21s before joining Georgia for this international window.
His recent contributions include an equaliser in Newcastle’s 3-1 EFL Trophy win over York City, when the young Magpies recovered from falling behind.
Thursday’s draw gave Georgia a point after their 3-0 defeat by Greece last Saturday, another match in which Salia featured.
Georgia can no longer qualify for next summer’s finals. They conclude their Group F campaign away to Germany in Bielefeld on Tuesday, 6 October, with kick-off at 5pm BST.
