The Republic of Ireland Under-19s are currently in the Algarve, Portugal, preparing for their UEFA 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 before heading to Parchal where they face Ukraine on Monday, May 28. They complete the group on May 31st by playing Israel in Ferreira.
Paul Doolin's squad shows two 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 against the hosts, 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."
In reference to the changes in personnel, 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 respectively, they are both keen to get going. I am sure that they will acquit themselves well."
Republic of Ireland Under-19 squad:
Michael Barker Bohemian FC
Niall Burdon Stade Renne
Neil Byrne Rochdale FC
Samir Carruthers Aston Villa FC
Chris Lyons UCD
Anthony Forde Wolverhampton Wanderers
Bradley Garmston West Bromwich Albion
Thomas Hoban Watford
Sean Kavanagh Fulham
Sean Mc Dermott Arsenal
Conor Morrissey Trieste
Sean Murray Watford
Aiden O'Brien Millwall
John O'Sullivan Blackburn Rovers
Luke Byrne Bohemians
George Smith Southend United
Frankie Sutherland Queens Park Rangers
Derrick Williams Aston Villa
Ireland's fixtures:
Portugal v Republic of Ireland
May 26 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 31 19:00 Estadio de Nora, Ferreira.
