Friendly
10.10.2015 at 15:00 - Markets Field
REPUBLIC of Ireland U19 head coach Paul Doolin has named his squad for two friendly internationals against Ukraine in Limericks Markets Field next month.
Doolins squad were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Italy earlier this month but the Irish boss wants them to show progression in these two fixtures as they prepare for the UEFA U19 Championships Qualifying Round which takes place in Galway and Limerick in November.
"Going back to the Italy game, the first half we did ok and were 1-0 up but I felt the second half that day Italy were the better side and there is a lot we have to improve upon," said Doolin.
"We are going into these two games still looking at players and still trying to find an eleven for the competitive games which does not help matters. It is a strong enough Qualifying Round group that we are in. Even going back to when they were U17s there were a few positions that needed to be nailed down.
"Some players who were in Italy and some lads who were not involved will be in consideration for the qualifiers. We are still looking at the wider group.
"I am looking forward to seeing Olamide Shodipo who is in good form for QPR. He is a strong attacking player and gives you that threat which is important. At this level you need strong quick players who can make an impact.
"Ryan Sweeney has done well with Wimbledon and was injured last time so it will be good to work with him. We have a few 1998s involved too and home-based players who have got potential also. It is another opportunity for the likes of Dylan Watts and Daire O Conchubhair who played 45 minutes in Italy. We are also looking at players like Trevor Clarke and Colm Deasy who came home from the UK to SSE Airtricity League clubs."
Doolin is pleased that his side will be tested by the Ukrainians rather than playing a lesser side which may not have provided his squad with the right level of challenge to prepare for the qualifiers.
"Limerick will be a good opportunity for us. The facilities are good and the pitch is excellent," he said.
"Ukraine played in tournament with Serbia, Montenegro, we have played them in qualifiers and they have quick technical players. There is merit in playing tough teams at this level. Our opponents in the group are all strong. Slovenia have played 12 games this year, Latvia will be decent enough and Scotland were semi-finalists at U17 level with these lads so the challenge is obvious."
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U19 SQUAD:
Colin McCabe (Celtic)
James Talbot (Sunderland)
Frankie Mulhern (Leeds United)
Dan Casey (Sunderland)
Corey Whelan (Liverpool)
Danny Kane (Huddersfield Town)
Tom Cadman (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers)
Olamide Shodipo (Queens Park Rangers)
Robbie McCourt (West Bromwich Albion)
Anthony Breslin (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Connor Ronan (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Conor Masterson (Liverpool)
Daire O Conchubhair (UCD)
Ryan Sweeney (AFC Wimbledon)
Connor Ellis (Cork City)
Dylan Watts (UCD)
George Poynton (Dundalk)
Colm Deasy (St Patricks Athletic)
Jamie Aherne (St Patricks Athletic)
FIXTURES
Saturday, October 10
Republic of Ireland v Ukraine, Markets Field, Limerick (5.00pm)
Monday, October 12
Republic of Ireland v Ukraine, Markets Field, Limerick (1.00pm)
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