Friendly
07.02.2008 at 19:30 - Home Farm's Ground Whitehall
Goalkeeper James McKeown of Peterborough United will play only his second game of the season for Ireland’s Under-19s when they host the Czech Republic at Home Farm FC in Dublin (7.30pm).
The young shot-stopper’s Irish connections were initially discussed with former Irish manager Stephen Staunton when the pair were at Walsall together three years ago.
McKeown has grandparents from Cavan and the Birmingham-born player was keen to declare for the Republic.
“Stan opened the door for me when it came to International football and I was delighted to win my first cap for the Under-18 team in a friendly against Hungary in April 2006," he said.
“This game tonight is my opportunity to compete for the Ireland goalkeeper spot. Shane Redmond, who is the regular Number One, is an excellent goalkeeper and the competition makes both of us improve as players.”
Ireland will be out to set the record straight tonight after losing the first game against the Czechs 1-0 in Drogheda on Tuesday.
Irish manager Sean McCaffrey will return his customary role tonight after taking charge of the Under-21 team, also on Tuesday, against England on a temporary basis.
Apart from McKeown, McCaffrey has brought in David Hutton (Spurs), Ian Bermingham (UCD), Paul Cahillane (Celtic), Seamus Sharkey (Derry City) and Julian Kelly (Reading) as changes from the starting side which figured on Tuesday.
Ruairi Harkin has recovered sufficiently from an injury to take a place on the substitute’s bench and is expected to feature at some stage over the 90 minutes.
Republic of Ireland Under-19 team:
James McKeown (Peterborough United)
Julian Kelly (Reading)
Gavin Donoghue (Sunderland)
Seamus Sharkey (Derry City)
Ian Bermingham (UCD)
Paul Cahillane (Celtic)
Michael Spillane (Norwich City) - captain
Michael Daly (Manchester City)
Danny Earls (Aston Villa)
David Hutton (Tottenham Hotspur)
Chris Fagan (Manchester United)
Substitutes:
Shane Redmond (Nottingham Forest)
Ruairi Harkin (Charlton Athletic
Alan Lynch (Bohemians)
David McDaid (Derry City)
Graham Carey (Celtic)
Friendly Internationals – Result and fixture:
Tuesday 5 February
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Czech Republic
United Park, Drogheda
Kick-off 7.30 pm
Thursday 7 February
Republic of Ireland v Czech Republic
Home Farm FC, Whitehall
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