Good start vital to success for Kerr’s kids

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.

Ireland play Germany at St. Colman’s Park, Cobh, tonight at 7.30 pm while the other teams in the group, France and Slovenia, clash in Fermoy at 2.30 pm. The top two after a round robin series in the Cork area this week will go on to a second qualifying tournament for the finals in Portugal next year.

France are viewed by many as the favourites to win the Cork group. Their team won an international tournament that included Brazil and Argentina last year but Kerr insists in highlighting the overall quality in the group.