Irish star earns praise for Ligue 1 debut against European giants

"It was John Patrick's first start and he showed character."

Two Irishmen made their Ligue 1 debuts on Saturday.

John Joe Patrick Finn lined out for Stade Reims, while Andrew Omobamidele togged out for Strasbourg.

Finn - who has played for Ireland U19s - made the €1million move from Getafe, and his first game for his new side was as big as they come, facing off against PSG in Paris.

The game finished in a 1-1 draw, and the midfielder received praise online and from his manager for a promising debut.

Boss Luka Elsner said of the 21-year-old:

"All our players are to be highlighted. It was John Patrick's first start and he showed character."

While Ireland have a couple of attacking options in midfield, with the likes Sammie Szmodics and Will Smallbone, they are struggling for high-quality holding midfielders, and Finn could help fill this role.

Another Irishman was also in the squad, with former Shamrock Rovers man Ike Orazi, 17, an unused sub.

Ireland international Omobamidele lined out for Strasbourg in their 2-1 win over Lille.

The 22-year-old Leixlip man endured a torrid half season with Premier League high-flyers Nottingham Forest, but the loan move looks likely to result in significant game time, which will improve his chances of getting back into the Ireland team.

Boss Liam Rosenior described his 45-minute performance as 'great', and after the game Omobamidele said: "What I saw today is what type of team it is here. The energy and the fight that the boys showed and for me to be part of this for my first game was amazing.

"I am just happy to win, when I came on it was 1-0 to them but the guys fought well, got a good goal and it showed the quality of the players we have, it’s a young team, keeping a 2-1 lead against a side like Lille is not easy so it’s a credit to the boys.”