European Qualifier
26.11.2008 at 11:00 - Hibernians Ground - Corradino - Malta
The Republic of Ireland U19 team conclude the first qualifying phase of the UEFA Championship against France tomorrow and even though both teams have already ensured their place in the next round, top spot of group 4 and a place in the next round as top seeds is up for grabs. Irish boss, McCaffrey has challenged his team to finish the qualifying phase on a high note against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
The Republic of Ireland sit joint top of group 4 after two tricky games against tournament hosts, Malta and Liechtenstein.
Sean McCaffrey insisted that the results are all that matters in the qualifying phase, “Sunday’s game against Liechtenstein was such a frustrating game, the conditions with the artificial surface and the strong wind was a real problem for both sides but it was always going to be difficult to make a breakthrough against a team who were defending in large numbers.
"I would have hoped that our lads would have scored early on and put the game beyond Liechtenstein before half time but credit to them, they defended well and made things really tough for us throughout the game.
"Despite hitting the post four times and having a number of shots cleared off the line, players head’s could have dropped easily but they stuck with it and got the result they needed,” said McCaffrey.
He added, “On Wednesday, we play a team who have the majority of their squad playing for the top teams in the French 1st division on a regular basis. Compare that to our squad, of which, nine are eligible for next year’s competition. It will be invaluable experience for them, to compete with, in my opinion, one of the best sides in Europe. We will start tomorrow’s game as underdogs but we will go into the game with great confidence as we look to prepare for the next round.”
McCaffrey has a number of injury worries ahead of the final qualifying game, coupled with two players who are suspended, James Collins (Aston Villa) and Conor Clifford (Chelsea).
“As well as our two suspended players, four players have sat out training today, Ian Daly (toe), Gavin Gunning (toe), Lanre Oyebanjo (Foot) and Jamie Devitt (ribs) are all doubts but we will access all of these players before the game. All of these four are a key feature for our side but we have a number of lads who are more than capable of doing the job if they are called upon,” said McCaffrey.
UEFA Championship first qualifying phase fixtures
Republic of Ireland 2-0 Malta
Friday, November 21st
Republic of Ireland 1-0 Liechtenstein
Sunday, November 23rd
France v Republic of Ireland
Wednesday, November 26th
Kick-off: 11.00am (local time)
Republic of Ireland squad
Kieron Thorp - Crystal Palace
Gerard Hanley - Galway United
Lanre Oyebanjo - Histon
Danny Kelly - Norwich City
Niall McArdle - Sunderland
Gavin Gunning - Blackburn Rovers
Shane O’Connor - Liverpool
Jamie Devitt - Hull City
*Conor Clifford - Chelsea
Gearoid Morrissey - Blackburn Rovers
Damien McCrory - Plymouth Argyle
Aaron Doran - Blackburn Rovers
Paul Murphy - Ipswich Town
Paddy Madden - Bohemians
*James Collins - Aston Villa
Ian Daly - Manchester City
Richie Towell - Celtic
Mark Connolly - Wolves
Note: * Suspended
Manager: Sean McCaffrey
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