THE Republic of Ireland Under 19 side were narrowly defeated in their European Elite qualification game against Georgia in Senec, Slovakia, losing 3-2 for the second time this week.

Finn Harps manager Felix Healy is hoping to sign Republic of Ireland Under 19 midfielder Ryan McGavigan from Leicester City before the March 4 deadline.

Republic of Ireland Under 19 manager Sean McCaffrey has named a strong 20-man squad for two friendly internationals against Slovenia in Dublin in two weeks time as he continues preparations for the UEFA Under 19 Championship qualifiers in May.