Fenlon returns as Irish U-23 manager

A NEW international challenge for eircom League of Ireland football was unveiled yesterday with the announcement of an U-23 International Challenge Trophy.

Former Derry City and Shelbourne boss Pat Fenlon has been named as manager of the team which will be drawn exclusively from players from the eircom League. The side will contest the group stages of the UEFA-recognised competition along with Belgium, Northern Ireland and Slovakia, beginning its campaign with a match at home to the Slovaks on November 13.

In the other group are England, Italy, Wales and Finland, with the English side to be drawn from the Football Conference and Italy selecting its players from Serie C. The final will be contested by the two group winners, with Ireland set to complete its qualifying programme at home to Belgium next autumn.