It is the first competitive game for Mohan’s side since he led them to a semi-final in the Under-19 Championships in Armenia in July.

He now prepares his team for fixtures against Switzerland (November 13), Gibraltar (November 16) and Austria (November 19) as they look to progress to the Elite Round of qualifiers with the finals being hosted in Northern Ireland next year.

Under-19 Head Coach Mohan said: “We had the vast majority of this squad in for the games against Denmark four weeks ago which was very beneficial as they were strong opponents and it is exactly what you need going into an international competition. 

“We took an awful lot from those games, both positively and in areas where we know we need to improve. We also have in the squad a number of players who impressed with Andy Reid’s Under-18 side out in Sweden which is a boost for us.

“A number of the boys who are still eligible for us have moved on to the U21s and done really well and likewise a number of the U21s are stepping up to the senior side which, looking at the bigger picture, is the ultimate long-term goal we set our players. But along the way we want to be successful as well. We have a technical team, with seven players from this summer's Under-19 Championship squad involved and exciting players in the final third of the pitch.

“Our goal for this season is to get to the finals and with the tournament taking place in the North it’s an added incentive for us. But we know if we want to get there we’ve got difficult hurdles to overcome.”

Mohan says his players and staff are focused on the task of overcoming Switzerland, Gibraltar and hosts Austria. He added: “Our first focus is our opening game against Switzerland – it is so important. They’re a strong physical side with a lot of attacking threats high up the pitch but we know we have the players who can hurt them also. 

“There are places up for grabs and the three days of training ahead of Switzerland will be very important. There are no easy games in international football and we know that Gibraltar and Austria will also provide two very different types of challenges which we must be very well prepared for.”

Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers:Jimmy Corcoran (Preston North End), Sean Bohan (Bohemians)

Defenders:Mazeed Ogungbo (Arsenal), Mark McGuinness (Arsenal), Oisin McEntee (Newcastle United), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Timi Sobowale (Manchester City), Lewis Richards (Wolves)

Midfielders:Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Jamie Bowden (Tottenham Hotspur), Barry Coffey (Celtic), Conor Noss (Borussia Monchengladbach), Adam O’Reilly (Preston North End), Ross Tierney (Bohemians)

Forwards:Matt Everitt (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ryan Cassidy (Watford), Armstrong Okoflex (Celtic), Alex Gilbert (West Bromwich Albion), Tom Cannon (Everton), Tyreik Wright (Aston Villa)

Fixtures
November 13:Switzerland v Republic of Ireland, HCS Arena Nonntal, Salzburg,  KO 10am (Irish time)
November 16: Republic of Ireland v Gibraltar, Nevoga-Arena Straßwalchen, Straßwalchen, KO 12pm (Irish time)
November 19:Republic of Ireland v Austria, HCS Arena Nonntal, Salzburg, KO 1.30pm (Irish time)