Ireland U-16s forced into two changes for Montaigu tournament

Republic of Ireland Under-16 manager has been forced into making one change in personnel to his squad ahead of this week’s Montaigu tournament in France.

Arsenal defender Conor Henderson was due to make his first appearance for Ireland but a hip injury has ruled him out. Ronnie Gibbons from Lourdes Celtic FC has been drafted in as a replacement in the only change made to the 18-man squad originally named. The Irish staff and players assembled in Dublin on Friday beforing flying to Nantes on Saturdary afternoon.

This year’s 35th anniversary tournament brings together the 12 previous winners of the International Trophy from across the World since it’s inception in 1972. Ireland won the prestigious trophy in 1982 by beating Italy in the final 6-5 on penalties.

Ireland will open their campaign with a match against England this Tuesday, April 3 in Chantonnay before facing the USA on Thursday, April 5 at the same venue.

The Republic’s Group D has been paired with Group A in the 2nd Round and each of the competing nations is guaranteed to play four games. Ireland’s opposition in the last two games will be determined by their group placing at the end of their matches against England and USA.

Manager Vincent Butler said: “The Montaigu tournament is the best event in Europe at this age-group. We have been building towards this tournament from early in the season and it will be the biggest test for our squad to date.”

Ireland will also compete at the Ballymena International tournament from the 24-27 April.

GROUPS:

Group A: France / Cameroon / Russia

Group B: Germany / Mexico / Belgium

Group C: Italy / Argentina / Japan

Group D: Republic of Ireland / USA / England

MATCHES:

Tuesday April 3:

Republic of Ireland v England - Chantonnay (kick-off 18.00 hrs).

Thursday April 5:

Republic of Ireland v USA - Chantonnay (kick-off 18.00 hrs).

PLAYERS

Harry Lee - Charlton Athletic

Mark Connors - Crumlin United

Niall Byrne - Home Farm

Richard Towell - Crumlin United

Kallum Keane - Derby County

John Dunleavy - Ballybofey United

Robbie Gibbons - Arsenal

Stephen Last - Lourdes Celtic

Aaron Doran - Blackburn Rovers

Conor Clifford - Crumlin United

Gearoid Morrissey - Ringmahon Rangers

Conor Hourihane - Douglas Hall

Greg Cunningham - Mervue United

Paul Murphy - Crumlin United

David Heagney - Huddersfield Town

James Wallace - Everton

Karl Sheppard - Shelbourne

Jason Hughes – Geraldines