Morling can’t afford Greece slip-up

THE Republic’s Under 17s will be desperate to avoid a Greek tragedy as they strive for the one qualifying place for May’s UEFA Championship finals this week in Alexandropolis.

Manager John Morling has brought a 17-man squad to face Denmark, Latvia and their Greek hosts with only one country advancing to the finals proper in Serbia from May 3-15. Qualification is even more important as the championships will serve as the qualification tournament for the FIFA U17 World Cup later this year.

Morling has a number of leading lights in Manchester United keeper Joe Coll, Reading striker James Murphy and Celtic youth star Paul George, who gives Morling extra options up front after recently declaring for the Republic.