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.