Joshua Kayode will return to Carlisle United as an international goalscorer after finding the net on his first start for the Republic of Ireland's Under-21s.

The Blues loan man was on the scoresheet in the first half of last night's game against Luxembourg.

Kayode headed home a Darragh Leahy cross for Ireland's opener after 35 minutes.

 

It came after the Rotherham striker had been called into the side following a positive substitite outing against Iceland.

Jamie Lennon doubled the Republic's lead as they went on to win 2-1 in the European Championships qualifier, Ireland having failed to qualify for the finals.

Kayode later spoke of his pride at having opened his account for the nation. "Delighted to have made my full 21s debut and to have scored my first international goal," he tweeted.

Speaking on the FAI's media channels after the game, the striker added: "To have got my first goal means a lot to me.

"I'm buzzing. I've got no words. Gutted that we haven't qualified but I'm really happy to have scored my first goal and to have ended the campaign with three points."

Kayode could now come back into the reckoning for Carlisle's trip to Crawley this weekend having missed their last two games.

His return will boost boss Chris Beech's attacking options at a time the United head coach has Gime Toure back from suspension to push for a place along with the likes of Omari Patrick, Gavin Reilly and Micah Obiero. Brennan Dickenson and loanee Ethan Walker remain sidelined.

Midfielder Dean Furman could also come back into contention this weekend after two appearances for South Africa in recent days.