O’Reilly hoping to unearth a few gems

AN unfamiliar looking Republic of Ireland U18 squad flew out to Portugal yesterday to take part in the Viseu International Tournament.

11 of the 18-man squad are uncapped with manager Noel O’Reilly describing the squad as “the most inexperienced I’ve ever worked with,” though he is hoping that the three-game tournament which will see Ireland face Turkey, Portugal and Norway, will produce one or two unexpected stars.

“I said to them that a lot of the younger players who have broken into the senior ranks first made impressions at tournaments like this. It’s a terrific opportunity for them all. You can’t compensate for international experience, it is immeasurable but I’m looking forward to what will be a test.”