Republic of Ireland Under-20 manager Gerry Smith has included 10 players who were in Switzerland last week for the European Under-21 Championship qualifier in a squad of 18 for an Under-20 friendly against Italy in Tolka Park on Wednesday, October 29.

THE Republic of Ireland Under-20 side take on Korea today in the Al Nahyan Stadium, as they kick off their preparations for March’s World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates, with manager Brian Kerr insisting that the trip has already proved to be a useful exercise (kick-off 7.15, 3.15 Irish time).