A new era for the Republic of Ireland Amateur International team begins tomorrow night as they face an FAI ETB XI selection in a crucial fixture at Home Farm FC, Whitehall. 

The match marks the first of new manager Conor Coad's tenure. Coad has spent the months since his appointment travelling the length and breadth of the country, assessing talent to build his squad. 

“It’s been a long and thorough process to get to this point,” Coad commented. “We’ve had over 200 players in for assessment days and regional sessions across the country, so the lads who are in this squad have earned their place. This fixture is a crucial part of that final identification process, giving us a chance to see how they perform in a competitive match environment as we look to finalise the squad.” 

The group selected for the game contains a blend of seasoned amateur internationals and new faces, a fact Coad believes will create a healthy and competitive environment within the camp. 

“We have a great mix in the squad in terms of experience and younger players,” Coad explained. “For a number of them, this will be one of their first occasions representing their country at this level, so it’s a huge opportunity for them to stake a claim and show what they can do. There's real competition for places, which is exactly what you want as a manager.” 

With limited time together as a group, the manager has stressed the importance of maximising every moment on the pitch. He is expecting a tough challenge from the ETB selection, which will be composed of talented young players from the FAI’s successful full-time training courses. 

“With such limited contact time, these games are vital,” Coad stated. “The ETB XI will be a really good technical and tactical test for us. Their courses are very successful, and you only have to look at the number of their graduates playing in the FAI National Leagues to see the quality they produce. We’re expecting a tough, energetic game, which is exactly the kind of challenge we need at this stage of our preparations.” 

The match will take place at Home Farm FC, Whitehall, with kick-off at 7:30pm, on Wednesday, October 29.

Republic of Ireland Amateur International Squad

Goalkeepers: Craig Hyland (Lucan Utd), Harry Doherty (Cockhill Celtic) 

Defenders: Mark Byrne (Lucan Utd), Adam Conway (Villa FC), Regan Lennon (Lucan Utd), Jack Funge (Crumlin Utd), Cian Murphy (Rockmount), Lee McColgan (Cockhill Celtic), John Fred Tamen (Villa FC), Robert Walsh (Midleton FC)  

Midfielders: Calvin Douglas (St. Mochtas), Luke Parke (Letterkenny Rovers), Stephen Chambers (Killester Donnycarney), Dale Holland (Midleton FC), Conor Kilgannon (Villa FC), Michael Lavin (Conn Rangers)  

Attackers: Tyler Doherty (St. Mochtas), Tiernan O’Brien (Midleton FC), Jordan Buckley (St. Mochtas), Conor Coughlan (Aisling Annacotty), Garbhan Friel (Cockhill Celtic), Luke Casey (Coachford)