Graham Barrett made his 20th appearance for the Republic's Under-21s

Albania U-21 1-0 Republic of Ireland U-21

The Republic of Ireland wasted a good chance to record their first win in the European Championship qualifying campaign as they conceded a breakaway goal to slump to their third defeat in four matches.

Graham Barrett looked lively on his record-equalling 20th appearance, and he set up Liam Miller for Ireland's best chance after 29 minutes.

But the Celtic man's finish was disappointing - although he nearly redeemed himself when he struck a late free-kick against a post.

The goal came in the 71st minutes when substitute Erion Rizvanolli was first to a long through ball and chipped it over the advancing Graham Stack and into an empty net.

The defeat leaves Don Givens' boys with just one point from four games in Group 10.