Ireland Men’s Under-17s Head Coach Colin O’Brien has praised his squad after they reached the Last 16 of the U17 World Cup.

The young Boys in Green exited the tournament after a 3-1 defeat to Switzerland but the Irish team produced some memorable moments along the way such as a 4-1 win over Panama, the come from behind victory over Asia Cup Champions Uzbekistan and the dramatic 9-8 win on penalties against Canada.

Of the squad of 16 came through or currently plays in the League of Ireland pyramid with six LOI clubs featuring players at the tournament in Qatar.

Speaking after the game O’Brien spoke of his pride of the players: “I’m massively proud of the players, it’s been an incredible season. Right now we’re gutted, there’s no two ways about it, we had total belief we could keep it going and that’s the mentality within every individual in the group – players and staff.

“It wasn’t to be our night, unfortunately we’ve been knocked out, but I think when everything settles. What they’ve done for the country is incredible.

“I think the message these players have sent out has been really positive, there’s 16 players who have come through our own underage system. If we want to continue to try and get to these competitions there’s still a lot of work to be done - believe me.

“The messages they’ve sent out, to me has been bigger than football. Young people watching the games back home, especially young boys and girls, they’ve inspired the nations, they’re role models now a lot of those younger people see images of Ireland that is not the Ireland I know, what they represent is the Ireland I know and they’ve represented the flag with distinction.

“Throughout the season, in every event building up to the tournament, there’s been growth in them, both on and off the pitch you couldn’t ask for any more of them. They’re a talented group and that’s what opens up the door for you, but talent only brings you so far.

“They’ve great temperament, great humility, brilliant will power and whatever happens after here, with the group and the staff, my door will always be open to them.”