Irish boss Doolin sees Romania as ideal preparation for elite challenge

Republic of Ireland U19 manager Paul Doolin intends to use the two friendlies against Romania in Cork this week as a dry run for the elite phase of European Championship qualifying.

Doolin’s side take on the Romanians at Turner’s Cross tonight (kick-off 7pm) and then again on Thursday at O’Shea Park in Blarney (12 noon).

With Ireland hosting the elite qualification stage in a group containing Serbia, Turkey and Iceland at the end of May and start of June, this is the perfect preparation for playing games in a compacted period.