Tough tests for Irish young guns

REPUBLIC of Ireland U-17 and U-19 manager Seán McCaffrey has announced that both teams will compete in tournaments early next year in preparation for the Elite phase of the UEFA Championships at both levels.

The U-17 squad will compete in the Algarve Tournament in Portugal from the 25th - 28th February 2006 alongside Portugal, France and Holland.

Meanwhile, the U-19 international squad will play in the La Manga Tournament in Spain from February 27 to March 3, 2006, at the invitation of the Football Association of Norway, who host the tournament.