Doolin’s U19s handed easier side of finals draw

THE IRISH U19s avoided the big guns in yesterday’s UEFA finals draw when they were pitted against hosts Romania, Greece and Czech Republic for the showpiece to be contested from July 20-August 1.

Paul Doolin’s Ireland side can justifiably approach their four-nation group with a belief that securing one of two qualifying berths into the semi-final stage is achievable.

Managing to avoid Group B which features four-time champions Spain and Serbia, the only nation to beat them in six competitive matches this term, as well as a fancied Turkey side and Belgium pleased Doolin.

Still, speaking after the draw from Bucharest last night, the Irish boss remained adamant that his side will have their work cut out to make an impact at the eight-nation event.

“People may say that our group is the easier of the two but we must respect Czech Republic and Greece who, like us, have reached the finals by topping a difficult elite stage group.

“Romania, too, will be a decent side especially with home advantage. It’s very warm here now and we can expect the temperatures to get even hotter by the time we play our first game on July 20.”

To that end, Doolin will later this week finalise details of a pre-tournament warm-weather training camp for his squad, most likely to be held in Italy.

Final tournament draw: Group A: Romania (hosts), Czech Republic, Greece, Ireland.

Group B: Serbia, Turkey, Spain, Belgium.