Friendly
13.05.2014 at 19:00 - Tallaght Stadium
REPUBLIC of Ireland U19 Head Coach Paul Doolin has named his squad for two friendly games against Mexicos U20 side in Dublin next month.
The Irish will meet the Mexicans at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday, May 13 (7.00pm) then clash with the same opponents at Dalymount Park on Thursday, May 15 (2.00pm).
Mexico are one of the worlds top underage international set-ups having won the FIFA World U17 Championships in 2011 and finishing runners-up in the same competition in 2013.
"We are playing one of best underage international teams in the world and they are heading to Toulon tournament so these are brilliant games for us," said Doolin.
"The Mexican games will be two games which will mirror the UEFA Elite Phase which we have in the end of May so worth having. They will be great preparation for us."
Doolin has to plan without Preston North End midfielder Alan Browne for these fixtures as he is in club duty with the League One promotion play-offs.
"It is great to see Alan progressing so well. He hass come from being in our home-based squad two years ago to now be doing very well at League One level," said Doolin.
"We did not have one or two down in Cork for our friendly games against Romania last month and the important thing is to get the lads back into the frame of mind and focus for the UEFA Elite Phase.
"I am looking forward to working with a few of them again. The Anderlecht goalkeeper Liam Bossin played down in Cork and did well down there. It gives us another opportunity to work with him again.
"Sean Heaney was involved with us against Czech Republic with U18s and is doing well with Rovers at the moment. He is good on the ball which is important in international football. Jack Hallahan from West Brom also played in those games and gives us options as he can play left or right."
The Irish squad at this age group is full of players who can also play U19 level next season and Doolin is pleased with how the younger faces are progressing.
"It is going to be tough for us in the Elite Phase. We will have a lot of guys getting experience this year which will help them next year.
"Dan Cleary is one of ten 1996s in the squad and it is good to have him in. Connor Dimaio is progressing well with Sheffield United and was very good against Romania. Dylan Barnett is another who was with 17s last year.
"We looked at Mexico from recent games and we know they will be two tough games. The lads are looking forward to playing in Dublin again and prepare for the Elite Phase."
Irelands UEFA U19 Championships Elite Qualifying Round fixtures are against Iceland on May 28, Turkey on May 30 and Serbia on June 2. Hungary will stage the final tournament from July 19 to 31 with each of the Elite Qualifying Round group winners joining the hosts in the final tournament.
Republic of Ireland U19 squad:
Eric Grimes (Leeds United)
Liam Bossin (Anderlecht)
Bobby Mosley (Birmingham City)
Noe Baba (Fulham)
Sean Long (Reading)
Kyle McFadden (Norwich City)
Dan Cleary (Liverpool)
Sean Heaney (Shamrock Rovers)
Dean O Halloran (Fulham)
Liam Kelly (Reading)
Alex O Hanlon (Liverpool)
Connor Dimaio (Sheffield United)
Thomas Mulroney (St Patricks Athletic)
Darren Murphy (Cork City)
Dylan Barnett (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Sam Byrne (Manchester United)
Alan O Sullivan (Aberdeen)
Jack Hallahan (West Bromwich Albion)
FIXTURES
Tuesday, May 13
Friendly
Republic of Ireland U19 v Mexico U20, Tallaght Stadium (7.00pm)
Thursday, May 15
Friendly
Republic of Ireland U19 v Mexico U20, Dalymount Park (2.00pm)
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