The Republic of Ireland's involvement in the finals of the European Under-18 championships in Cyprus in July, was yesterday given additional appeal after they were drawn in the same group as England.

Croatia and Cyprus are the other countries in the pool and at the opposite end of the draw, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Lithuania will be in contention in Group A.

Brian Kerr, the Irish team manager, will be relieved to have avoided Germany and Portugal and suitably motivated at the prospect of going in against England.

England are the most attractive of all international opponents for Ireland and on the evidence of results in under age competition in recent years, Kerr will be optimistic of his chances of success.

Preparation for the finals, has already started for the Irish in Co Clare and as was the case in the approach to the world Under-20 championships in Malaysia last summer, special emphasis will be placed on acclimatisation and the need to ensure that by the time the players arrive in Cyprus, they will be conditioned to survive in the heat.

Ireland, who will be based in Larnaca for the duration of the finals, open their programme against Croatia at the Agia Napa stadium on July 19th. The meeting with England takes place in the Deryneia stadium two days later and they end their qualifying programme against the host country on July 23rd.

The winners of the two groups will progress to the finals at either Larnaca or Paralimni on July 26th. Earlier that day, the two second placed teams will play off for third and fourth places.

The FAI announced yesterday that Ray Treacy Travel has been appointed to manage travel arrangements for Irish teams, officials and supporters for the next two years. The European Under18 championships, will mark the start of the new partnership.