Colin O’Brien beats drum for youth

While Irish football comes to terms with the loss of the special talent that is Declan Rice, U17s head coach Colin O’Brien is busy preparing the next generation of players for the unique test of performing as host nation in the 2019 Euro Finals in May.

“Look it’s done, it’s a disappointment,” said O’Brien of Rice’s defection to England. “For me personally, that whole rule situation is a big problem. With regards ourselves, we’ve always been focused on players that want to play for Ireland, who can play for Ireland.”