As Mick McCarthy heaped more praise on Stephen Kenny’s Ireland U21s, striker Adam Idah is adamant the squad are comfortable with the growing hype surrounding them.

Aaron Connolly’s directness hasn’t always endeared him to coaches but being able to back it up with a Premier League debut affords the Brighton and Hove Albion winger some latitude.

Stephen Kenny has said that he can’t permit the crisis at the FAI to be a negative distraction as he seeks to keep his focus firmly on his role as U21 manager.

After waiting eight years for Ireland to reach the U19 Euros, captain Lee O’Connor wants a swift start today against Norway in Yerevan (3.45pm, RTÉ Two).

Jack Grealish and Declan Rice would still be playing for the Republic of Ireland but for weak relationships between former manager Martin O'Neill and underage coaches, according to Stephen Kenny.

A hat-trick from Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, coupled with a shambolic defensive display, saw Cork City’s season plunge to new depths at Turner’s Cross last night as Derry City ran riot to inflict another painful defeat in what is turning out to be a shocking season for last season’s runners-up.

Six games into his reign as Ireland U21 manager and Stephen Kenny believes his side are gearing up well to reach a first-ever major tournament.

Stephen Kenny cited a gruelling schedule for Ireland U21s not pushing Brazil harder in yesterday’s Toulon Tournament semi-final.

Mick McCarthy has refused to countenance the idea that he may stay on beyond the current Euro 2020 campaign as Republic of Ireland manager, branding a query on the issue as disrespectful to Stephen Kenny.

Stephen Kenny insists his U21 heroes will relish their Toulon Tournament semi-final against Brazil.

Stephen Kenny hopes his Ireland U21 side can handle the heat of battle to clinch a Toulon Tournament semi-final place.

Stephen Kenny saluted his Ireland U21 warriors for securing a draw against Mexico which puts them on the brink of reaching the Toulon Tournament semi-finals.

In the public’s yearning for a natural goalscoring successor to Ireland hitman Robbie Keane, the name of Adam Idah has lasted longer than most contenders.

Stephen Kenny hailed his Ireland U21 side’s quickfire start in yesterday’s demolition of China.

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and U-21s manager Stephen Kenny praised 'a brilliant exercise' as the U-21s secured a 2-1 victory in a training match.

Ireland U21 manager Stephen Kenny has defended his decision to call-up League of Ireland players despite Stephen Bradley’s desire for them to be excluded.

Conor Hourihane’s first taste of competitive English football was a League Two draw between Plymouth Argyle and Shrewsbury Town at the compact New Meadow Stadium just shy of eight years ago.

Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley is surprised he won’t see the familiar face of John Caulfield in the opposing dugout at Tallaght Stadium tonight.

Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley is surprised he won’t see the familiar face of John Caulfield in the opposing dugout at Tallaght Stadium tonight.

It will be the first time since 2002 that Ireland have competed in the tournament.

Stephen Kenny wants Irish football to stop imposing limits on its own ambition.

Ireland U21 boss Stephen Kenny has declared the Toulon Tournament as "a huge opportunity" for his team.

Former Chelsea, Holland, and Real Madrid manager Guus Hiddink is in charge of the Chinese Under-21 side.

Republic of Ireland 3-0 Luxembourg

Will Keane has become the first of what Mick McCarthy hopes is a steady stream of Ireland recruits under his reign.

David Brooks says he never considered changing his mind, like the Republic of Ireland’s Declan Rice, after pledging his international allegiance to Wales.

Chelsea have signed French youngster Lassana Diarra from Le Havre.

Lawrie Sanchez has told Northern Ireland's bright young things to keep knocking on his door.

ITALIAN outfit Udinese have confirmed that Liverpool are chasing their Chilean midfield ace David Pizarro.

Steve Finnan admits he is already bracing himself for a showdown with Jamie Carragher for a first team slot at Liverpool.

Portugal's under-21 team beat Colombia's youngsters 2-1 in the final of the International Festival of Toulon soccer tournament.