Harry McCue and Paul Doolin have named their respective squads for Ireland’s forthcoming European championship qualifiers at under-21 and under-19 levels.
For McCue, who takes over from Noel King for the games against Romania, Bristol City defender Derrick Williams returns from injury while Samir Carruthers also makes the squad even though he will miss the first game through suspension.
“The Germany game last month (which Ireland lost 4-0) was disappointing but we’ve chatted about it and the attitude is right amongst the players to get back on track,” said McCue. “We’re looking forward to these two games. Romania will be good test for us but we are aiming to get at least four points out of the two fixtures.”
Doolin, meanwhile, includes Stoke City’s Ryan O’Reilly and Sunderland’s Steven McCarthy in his squad of 17 for the week long trip to Sweden.
“If everybody comes together to help us get a result in the first game that’s very important,” said the manager. “Azerbaijan drew with Croatia in August and looked a decent side; quick and well organised. We’ve managed to do it before and if we have the right approach we can qualify.”
The FAI has, meanwhile, confirmed that former Cork City, Waterford United and Cobh Ramblers midfielder Colin O’Brien has been appointed as the new manager of the Irish under-15 side.
“I’m delighted to be given this role,” he said. “It’s a great honour.This is my 14th year with the FAI in various roles and for the past five seasons I’ve been working with international teams in different roles so I’m delighted to get the opportunity to be the head coach myself.”
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
U21 SQUAD: Aaron McCarey (Wolves), Seán McDermott (Sandnes Ulf), Matt Doherty (Wolves), Michael Harriman (Gillingham), Joe Shaughnessy (Aberdeen), Shane Duffy (Yeovil Town), Seán McGinty (Sheffield Utd), Charles Dunne (Wycombe Wanderers), Derrick Williams (Bristol City), Anthony O'Connor (Torquay United), Connor Smith (Watford), Frankie Sutherland (QPR), Callum Reilly (Birmingham City), Anthony Forde (Wolves), Seán Murray (Watford), Graham Burke (Shrewsbury Town), Samir Carruthers (MK Dons), Jack Grealish (Notts County), Aiden O'Brien (Millwall).
Qualifying fixtures – Friday, Oct 11th: Romania v Republic of Ireland, Piatra Neamt (4.30 Irish time); Tuesday, Oct 15th: Republic of Ireland v Romania, The Showgrounds, Sligo (3.0)
UNDER-19 SQUAD: Eric Grimes (Leeds United), Shane Fagan (Shamrock Rovers), Noe Baba (Fulham), Sean Long (Reading), Kyle McFadden (Norwich City), Ryan O'Reilly (Stoke City), Kevin Toner (Aston Villa), Bobby Moseley (Birmingham City), Thomas Mulroney (St Patricks Athletic), Alan Browne (Cork City), Colm Crowe (UCD), Dean O'Halloran (Fulham), Steven McCarthy (Sunderland), Adam Wixted (Derby County), Alex O'Hanlon (Liverpool), Sam Byrne (Manchester United), Alan O'Sullivan (Aberdeen).
European qualifying fixtures – Thursday, Oct 10th: Republic of Ireland v Azerbaijan, Angelholms IP Stadium (1.0 Irish time); Saturday, Oct 12th: Sweden v Republic of Ireland, Angelholms IP Stadium (3.0 Irish time); Tuesday, Oct 15th: Republic of Ireland v Bosnia & Herzegovina, Vangavallen Stadium, Trelleborg (1.0 Irish).
