Under 19's prepare for Portuguese challenge
Paul Doolin and his Under 19 squad are currently in the Algarve, Portugal, preparing for their Under 19 Championship Elite Phase Qualification Group 4.
Their first match will be a tough assignment against group hosts, Portugal, on Saturday at 19:00 in Olhao, they will then travel to Parchal where they face Ukraine on May 28th and they complete the group on May 31st when they play Israel in Ferreira.
Paul Doolin’s squad shows some late changes with Chris Lyons (UCD) replacing the injured Michael Drennan (Aston Villa) and Luke Byrne (Bohemian FC) coming in for James Kavanagh (UCD) who also picked up an injury.
Speaking about their group opener Doolin said ‘Obviously it is going to be a difficult match facing the hosts in their own back yard but I know that the lads are up for the challenge and I’m sure that they will put it up to Portugal, the first game is important but there are two more tough matches to follow so we will be taking it one game at a time.’
Talking about the changes to the squad Doolin said ‘It is unfortunate that we lost Michael and James, especially as they both dropped out very late in the day but Chris and Luke are two very good players with UCD and Bohs, they are both keen to get going and I am sure that they will acquit themselves well,’
The 18 man squad is:
Michael Barker Bohemian FC
Niall Burdon Stade Renne
Neil Byrne Rochdale FC
Samir Carruthers Aston Villa FC
Chris Lyons UCD
Anthony Forde Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Bradley Garmston West Bromwich Albion
Thomas Hoban Watford FC
Sean Kavanagh Fulham FC
Sean Mc Dermott Arsenal FC
Conor Morrissey Trieste
Sean Murray Watford FC
Aiden O’Brien Millwall FC
John O’Sullivan Blackburn Rovers FC
Luke Byrne Bohemian FC
George Smith Southend United FC
Frankie Sutherland Queens Park Rangers FC
Derrick Williams Aston Villa FC
Portugal v Republic of Ireland
May 26th
19:00 Stadium Jose Arcanjo, Olhao
Republic of Ireland v Ukraine
May 28th
17:00 Stadium Municipal Bela Vista, Parchal
Israel v Republic of Ireland
May 31st
Estadio de Nora, Ferreira
