Tough task for Ireland U19s

The Republic of Ireland have been handed a tough task after being drawn to face 2009 winners England, 2012 victors Sweden and Spain in Group B of the Uefa Women’s U19 Championship finals in Norway this summer.

It is the first time Ireland have reached the finals and head coach Dave Connell, while acknowledging the scale of the task faced, is hopeful his side can finish in the top two to reach the semi-finals.

“It’s a tough one, getting two previous winners and Spain were runners-up two years ago,” Connell said. “We have it all to do but we drew with England in La Manga and beat Sweden there a couple of months ago.

“The finals are obviously a different ball game than friendly tournaments but we fancy our chances. We’re nine games unbeaten now... we’ll be ready for the tournament.”

Republic of Ireland fixtures: July 15: Rep of Ireland v Spain, UKI Arena (6pm); July 18: England v Rep of Ireland, Mjøndalen Stadium (6pm); July 21: Sweden v Rep of Ireland, UKI Arena (6pm).