Northern Ireland youth boss Steve Beaglehole was in upbeat mood last night despite seeing his side concede a last-gasp equaliser in their Milk Cup opener with highly-fancied Denmark.

The Danes struck on right on full-time with a fine strike from Jeff Mensah after an equally classy finish from Norwich City's Matthew Ball had given Northern Ireland the lead and the chance of a landing a major scalp.

However Beaglehole preferred to praise his young guns - indeed, the youngest side he has brought to the tournament - for their effort and endeavour.

"We have to look at the whole picture; we have virtually an under-19 side here and it is the youngest squad we've had the tournament," he said.

"Denmark are tough opponents and I'm pleased with the workrate of our lads and the way they took things on board. We made a lot of changes and the players who came on did very well.

"We were missing a couple of more experienced players, but in a way that's good."