Friendly
27.09.2011 at 15:00 -
The Republic of Ireland Under-16 squad are in Estonia this week and kick off their campaign today by facing Latvia at 4pm.
Estonia are hosting a triangular tournament which also features Latvia and the Republic of Ireland. Yesterday's opening game between Estonia and Latvia finished 1-1.
Ireland Head Coach John Morling has been preparing his squad since assembling last Friday in Dublin.
Following today's encounter in Vőru, his side take on Estonia on Thursday.
Morling reckons Ireland will be presented with a tough challenge today.
He said: "I watched Latvia's game yesterday and they play much the same as their other national teams. We faced them in last season's Under-17 European Championship qualifiers and, like then, I expect them to compact in midfield.
"For us, we've got lots done on the training pitch in the last few days. Most of Saturday was spent travelling but that will benefit the players in terms of getting them used to international football, which often involves long journeys."
Morling was forced into one last change in personnel due to an injury sustained by Jordan Toland of Swilly Rovers. Sheffield United's Conor Dimaio has been drafted in as a replacement for his maiden call-up.
Republic of Ireland Under-16 squad:
Peter Burke (Moville Celtic)
Noe Baba (Castlebar Celtic)
Jack Byrne (St. Kevin's Boys)
Daniel Cleary (Crumlin United)
Robin Dempsey (St. Joseph's Boys)
Craig Donnellan (Corinthians)
Val Feeney (Birr Town)
Cody Mulhall (Stella Maris)
Dean O'Halloran (Southend)
Cathal O'Hanlon (Springfield Ramblers)
Alex O'Hanlon (St. Kevin's Boys)
Eoghan Stokes (St. Kevin's Boys)
Liam Traynor (St. Joseph's Boys)
Bobby Moseley (Birmingham City)
Ryan Rainy (Bonagee United)
Cieron Keane (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Jake Mulraney (Nottingham Forest)
Conor Dimao (Sheffield United).
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