Bohemians Stephen Ward has been included by international Under-19 manager Sean McCaffrey in a squad of 18 players he has named for the European 2003/2004 Championship first qualifying phase in San Marino next week.

BRIAN Kerr stressed last night how invaluable a good start against Germany would be for his Republic of Ireland U17’s tonight as they head into one of the most challenging groups imaginable in the Euro Championship qualifiers.

Brian Kerr has named a squad of 22 players for the first qualifying phase of the European 2003 Under-17 Championships in Cork from October 21 to October 25, 2002.