Colin O'Brien filling the gap year with learning experiences

From his home in Cork, Ireland U17 Head Coach Colin O’Brien is surveying a landscape bereft of football and empathising with all those suffering acute withdrawal symptoms in the absence of the game they love.

22 October 2019; Republic of Ireland Under-17 head coach Colin O'Brien pictured at Turners Cross in Cork ahead of his side's three UEFA European Championship Qualifying Round games against Andorra on November 12, Montenegro on November 15, and Israel on November 18. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

“Firstly, I think it’s OK to feel lost, I’m certainly saying that to any players or coaches who are fed up.”