TOM MOHAN'S Republic of Ireland U17 squad played a behind closed doors friendly game against Latvia at the AUL Complex on Sunday. 11th Nov 2013
TOM MOHAN'S Republic of Ireland U17 squad played a behind closed doors friendly game against Latvia at the AUL Complex on Sunday.
The game allowed the Irish head coach look at a number of new players as he begins preparation for the elite qualifying round of the UEFA U17 Championships next spring.
Although the game finished scoreless, Mohan was pleased with the exercise and feels it helps with the process as he works with his backroom staff to strengthen the squad ahead of the next phase of qualifying.
"It was organised at short notice but it was brilliant. It gave me a chance to see players who were unfortunate to miss out in the qualifying round of the UEFA qualifiers," he said.
"Some of the guys that came in today, including some guys who are still eligible for U16s, showed they are well capable of stepping up to this level. They didn't look out of place.
"All of the top teams in Europe will be in the next phase of the competition and we have to keep going and strengthening the squad. The draw is at the end of November so we'll know who we have."
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Matt Connor (Tramore Athletic), Graham Kelly (St Kevin's Boys), Maxime Kougun (Cherry Orchard), Robbie McCourt (St Kevin's Boys), Evan Osam (Shamrock Rovers), Georgie Poynton (Dundalk FC), Anto Dolan (St Kevin's Boys), Thomas Tiernan (Shamrock Rovers), Steven Kinsella (Templeogue United), Malike Benrougguibi (St Kevin's Boys), Jason Hunt (Castlebar Celtic). Subs: Adam McDonnell (Home Farm) for Dolan 41, Darragh Markey (Cherry Orchard) for Tiernan 41, Aaron O'Neill (Athlone Town) for Hunt 41, Lee Doyle (Cherry Orchard) for Connor 41, Hunt for O'Neill 74, Tiernan for Poynton 74. |