Scotland u21 2

Rep of Ireland u21 0

Scorers: Maloney (41), Lynch (68)

THE boy who would be King Henrik's replacement re-affirmed his right to the crown last night, allaying the fears of Celtic's subjects concerning Larsson's temporary abdication with a sumptuous strike.

His coronation has yet to be granted the royal seal of approval, as he pointed out himself earlier in the week when citing the legitimate claims of David Fernandez and John Hartson, even if the Wales striker did himself no favours when launching a tirade of abuse at Martin O'Neill last week.

Hartson will get the opportunity to atone when he represents his country against Bosnia this evening but Maloney stole a march on his closest competitor with a third near-perfect free-kick in a matter of days.

Having played provider with his precise right boot against Livingston at the weekend - Momo Sylla and Chris Sutton preying on rebounds from pole and palm - this time, Maloney found the net of his own accord, with Beckham-esque conviction. It was the defining moment of another encouraging victory for Rainer Bonhof's bloom, ensured with the help of a second from Simon Lynch.

The Preston North End striker seemed grateful for his fresh start. ''I have learned more in a month at Preston than a year in Celtic's reserves,'' he said, though he wished his former team-mate, Maloney, the best of luck in his odds-against aspirations.

''He learned from the master. Lubo [Moravcik] took him under his wing and you can see it has paid off. I hope he gets a chance.''

Maloney was taken off at half-time with more meaningful club chores in mind and, having backed up his mature, confident talk with a similarly self-assured show, the 20-year-old will await his Fir Park fate with renewed optimism.

Speaking of Saturday's game against Motherwell, James McFadden's lack of activity this weather might explain his un-characteristic second-half penalty miss, one which would have provided more sheen to a polished performance.

Considering the praise heaped on the Irish youth set-up by Bonhof beforehand, this was a satisfying win. ''We survived a little bit of pressure at the start but, over the 90 minutes, I was happy with the way we played,'' said the manager.

''Shaun did well and I will cross my fingers that he will get a run in the Celtic team in Larsson's absence but he will be playing at a totally different level to the one tonight. He has the maturity to handle it, though.''

Having spent the build-up to this friendly match lauding the Irish for their development infrastructure and quoting enviously their (pounds) 1.5m-per-year budget, this was a test Bonhof relished. The German - who has suffered only one defeat in seven matches during his six months in Scotland - stripped his entire 22-man party, with half of them on the bench.

Derek Soutar, the Dundee goalkeeper, was given some early exercise when Andy Reid sent a stinging shot his way, while Kevin Kyle watched his effort dip the wrong side of the crossbar.

There was no lack of effort from either team but, as the first half progressed, the suspicion grew that we had seen the best of the excitement when Brian Kerr, manager of the senior side, called an impromptu press conference on Roy Keane's retirement.

Maloney convinced us otherwise. He hurried excitedly to the scene of the crime after Peter Canero was scythed down by Clifford Byrne 20 yards out, then sent an arcing attempt over the wall and into the net.

Michael Stewart, whose progress at Manchester United has been stunted, earned a penalty after a reckless foul from Sean Thornton but McFadden, still serving a club suspension, skewed his shot wide. Lynch soon provided a cushion, reacting quickest to stab the ball home after Graham Stack saved Canero's shot.

Scotland (3-5-2) Soutar (Gordon 45); Caldwell, Kennedy, Doig (Crainey 45); Canero (Duff 81), Williams (Stewart 45), Pearson (Hughes 45), Kerr, Hammell; Maloney (McFadden 45), Kyle (Lynch 70)

Subs: McGregor, Dowie, Mackie,

Miller

Republic of Ireland (4-4-2) Stack; Brennan, Byrne, Goodwin, Tierney (Burne 85); Butler, Thompson (Hunt 59), Dempsey (Lester 85), Reid (Thornton 45); Barrett (Daly 45), Hoolahan (Melligan 45)

Sub: Murphy

Referee Ben Haverkort (Netherlands)