U17 squad unveiled for training camp in Portugal

Monday, 30 January 2012 22:59

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Republic of Ireland Under-17 Head coach John Morling has named his 18-player squad for the upcoming training week in Portugal.

The week-long workout from February 4-10, which involves two friendly games against local opposition, will be the squad's final preparation for the UEFA Under-17 elite qualifiers to be staged by mini-group hosts Netherlands from March 22-27.

As well as the Dutch, reigning European Championship holders at Under-17 level, Ireland will need to finish above Serbia and Albania in their round-robin group to seal a place at the Slovenia-hosted finals in May.

Preparation for such a challenging group is therefore vital and Morling believes this exercise will best ready his troops.

After assembling over the weekend, the squad will train on Sunday and Monday before facing Imortal DC Albufeira on Tuesday (7.30pm). Wednesday will be another training day in the run-up to the second friendly match, on Thursday, which is against Louletano DC (7.30pm).

"This will be the ideal environment for the players to train in," said Morling. "The climate is certain to be good and the opposition we face in the friendlies are both regarded as two of the top club sides in Portugal at our age-group.

"The week will enable the players build further on the first phase qualifiers we qualified from in October, and also introduce some players into the group."

Ireland booked their place in the elite phase by finishing second behind Czech Republic in the first stage group that included Liechtenstein and hosts Kazakhstan.

Dylan Hayes of Derby County has withdrawn due to injury and will be replaced in the coming days.

Republic of Ireland Under-17 squad:

Eric Grimes - Leeds United FC

Stephen Morris - St. Kevin's Boys FC

Sean Long - Cherry Orchard FC

Ryan McConnell - Letterkenny Rovers FC

Kyle McFadden - Norwich City FC

Bradley Lewis - Aston Villa FC

Ryan O'Reilly - Stoke City FC

Sean Coyne - Cherry Orchard FC

Tom Mulroney - Crumlin United FC

Kevin O'Connor - St. Patrick's Athletic FC