Republic name strong U-19 squad

REPUBLIC Of Ireland Under-19 manager Sean McCaffrey has named a 24-man squad for the forthcoming European Championship U19 qualifiers in Dublin in two weeks.

Ireland have been drawn in a difficult group including England, Switzerland and Slovenia and with just one team going through to July’s European Championships, the competition is sure to be intense.

Ireland’s opening game is against England at Tolka Park on Monday, May 19 at 7:30. On Wednesday, May 21, they move to Richmond Park for the clash with Switzerland (5:00) before finishing up against Slovenia at Tolka Park on Friday, May 23 (7:30).

However, Ireland have assembled a strong squad for the qualifiers with many of the players on the verge first-team football. Manchester City’s Willo Flood recently picked up the Under-16 eircom/FAI award, while Flood along with John Fitzgerald (Blackburn Rovers), Glenn Whelan (Manchester City), Darren Potter (Liverpool) and Stephen Elliott (Manchester City) were selected by Youth manager Gerry Smith for the postponed World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates.

Also included in the squad are Stephen Bradley of Arsenal, Richie Ryan of Sunderland and Michael Timlin of Fulham who impressed many of the fans who braved the cold to watch the U19s face Slovakia in Kilkenny in February.

Eircom League fans will also be familiar with Derry City’s Kevin Deery and John Flood of Bray Wanderers.

McCaffrey is confident his team are capable of qualifying for the tournament though he highlighted the importance of a good start against England. "We've a good squad and if all the players are available and free I think we'll very competitive,” he said.

“It's vitally important we get a good start because with only one team going through, any slip ups will prove costly. I hope Tolka Park is full for the England game because the fans can be like a 12th man.

“But I think we have a very good squad and can top the group. They are three very good teams and they are all evenly matched.”