Squad news: Republic of Ireland Under-17 manager Sean McCaffrey today named a 20-strong squad to take on Poland in a double header friendly on Tuesday 21st and Thursday 23rd April.
United Park in Drogheda will host the first game while Tallaght stadium will host its first international fixture since opening last month.
McCaffrey has included a number of players who competed in Qatar last November such as Monaghan United’s Aaron McCarey, Belvedere defender, Sean Skelly and Newcastle’s Stephen Folan. Striker Ryan Connolly is also included in the squad having played every game at Under-17 level this season.
The Drogheda fixture will be of special interest to a number of players from the locality. Drogheda United defender, Eoghan Osbourne played with Albion Rovers growing up, while Dundalk man Stephen McDonnell, played for Quay Celtic before signing for Celtic at the start of the season.
A number of Munster based players also made the cut. Cork is represented by two players, Blackburn Rovers’ defender, Anthony O’Connor and John Egan who has recently signed for Sunderland. Fulham’s Paudie Quinn, who hails from Kerry and Castleisland local, Sean Brosnan will be hoping to make their debut at international level.
“We’ve set out how we want team to play in these games against Poland,” said McCaffrey. “It’s important at this stage to get the players playing in the right way, to attack and play open football.
“These games are about continuing the players’ education, to play in the way that they’ll develop into brave, skilful footballers. Results are important for confidence but I am looking for performance.
“Poland will play a high quality of football and we will be looking to match and outplay them. This is a step in identify players for next year’s Under 18 panel and it would be nice to finish the season on a winning note.”
Republic of Ireland Under-17 squad (v Poland):Aaron McCarey (Monaghan Utd), Josh Byrne (Waterford Bohs), Sean Skelly (Belvedere), John Egan (Greenwood), Mark O'Brien (Derby County), Anthony O'Connor (Blackburn Rovers), Sean Tse (Manchester City), Sean McGinty (Charlton Athletic), Eoghan Osbourne (Drogheda United), Sean Stewart (St. Kevin's Boys), Jeff Kendrick (Derby County), Paudie Quinn (Fulham), Stephen Mc Donnell (Celtic), Stephen Folan (Newcastle United), Craig Walsh (Cherry Orchard), Patrick McEleney (Foyle Harps), Selcuk Tidim (St Pauli), Ryan Connolly (Derby County), Sean Brosnan (Castleisland), Anthony Bolger (Aberdeen)
Fixtures:
Republic of Ireland v Poland
(Tuesday, April 21st)
United Park, Drogheda
Kick-off 7.30pm
Republic of Ireland v Poland
(Thursday, April 23rd)
Tallaght Stadium
Kick-off 7.30pm
