Ireland trail defending champions Scotland by a shot at halfway at the PGAs of Europe International Team Championship in Turkey with Clontarf’s Eamonn Brady tied second in individual event.

The former West of Ireland winner, 41, posted a four under 68 on the Old Course at Gloria Golf Club in Belek to move to within two shots of Scotland’s Graham Fox on seven under par.

The Clontarf professional came home in four under par 33 to end the day tied wit Italy’s Luca Beneduce. 

• Team
• Individual

Headfort’s Brendan McGovern, 50, signed for a discarded, three over 75 to share 14th on two over while 47-year old Damian Mooney’s 73 left him tied 22nd in the 68-man field on five over par.

With 23 nations competing, the Irish trio are hoping to improve on last year’s showing when they were beaten by 10 strokes by champions Scotland.

The best two scores count each day and Scotland’s David Orr, Gareth Wright and Fox lead the Irish by one stroke on eight under 280 with two rounds to go.

“We’re halfway there but things can change very quickly in tournaments like this,” said Fox. “The course suits my game. It’s tight and even if you drive the ball well you can still be blocked out.

"It definitely rewards the good shots.“The Old Course is much tougher than the New one but, as was the case last year, it’s in brilliant condition.”