International baptism of fire for Dicker and Keogh

UCD’s Gary Dicker and Richard Keogh of Stoke City can expect a baptism of fire as they make their youth international debuts for the Republic of Ireland against Italy in Corato this afternoon (KO 1.30pm Irish time).

Both get their chance to impress boss Sean McCaffrey whose under-19 squad was forced to travel with five uncapped players due to a host of withdrawals.

Aston Villa’s Stephen Foley captains the side from the left-side of midfield while John Paul Kelly plays in the middle alongside Manchester United’s Darren Gibson.

Andy Keogh partners Jonathan Hayes up front.

Republic of Ireland: Randolph (Charlton Athletic); Dicker (UCD), O’Dea (Arsenal), R. Keogh (Stoke City), Morris (Leeds United); Collins (Huddersfield Town), Gibson (Manchester United), Kelly (unattached), Foley (Aston Villa); A. Keogh (Bury), Hayes (Reading).