Ireland will begin their defence of the Victory Shield next week when they head to Wales for the 2023 edition of the tournament.

Men’s Under-16s Head Coach Paul Osam has named a squad of 22 for the four-team tournament in North Wales where they come up against neighbours Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

And fans will be able to watch each of Ireland’s games for free on LOITV.ie. Those looking to tune in just need to log-in to their LOITV account or register for free.

Last year, the young Boys in Green claimed their third ever Victory Shield title when they beat both Wales and Northern Ireland on penalties before overcoming Scotland 4-1 win on home soil in Tramore.

The tournament has acted as a platform in the past for senior Irish internationals. Former winners of the Victory Shield include Nathan Collins, Adam Idah, Jason knight, Troy Parrott and Festy Ebosele.

The 2022 edition of the competition also saw several members of the Victory Shield squad earn spots in Colin O’Brien’s U17s EURO Squad. Mason Melia, Matthew Moore, Ike Orazi, Kaylem Harnett, Matthew Murray and Joe Collins all made the step-up in age grade for the Championships in the summer.

Speaking ahead of the tournament Head Coach Paul Osam said: “This will be the most competitive tournament the players will experience at this age of international football and we’re looking forward to it. The overall aim is player development and for us to provide a squad ready for Colin O’Brien to take forward in competitive UEFA competition.

“The challenge for the players is to be involved in the squad by the latter stages of the year and coming up against nations like Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in a big competition for this part of Europe is great.”

Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-16 Squad

Goalkeepers: Alex Noonan (Shamrock Rovers), Ali Topcu (Shelbourne)

Defenders: Oisin McDonagh (Shamrock Rovers), Cead McGrath (Sligo Rovers), Muhammad Oladiti (Shamrock Rovers), Finn Sherlock (Shelbourne), Sam Steward (St. Patrick’s Athletic),

Midfielder: Daniel Costello (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Rory Finneran (Blackburn Rovers), Ramon Martos (UD Almeria), Grady McDonnell (Vancouver Whitecaps), Kian McMahon Brown (Burnley), Goodness Ogbonna (Shamrock Rovers), Oskar Skoubo Keely (Bohemians)

Forwards: Billy Hayes (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Max Kovalevskis (Shamrock Rovers), Brody Lee (Shamrock Rovers), Jay McEvoy (Manchester United), Michael Noonan (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Billy O’Neill (Bray Wanderers), Cillian Tollett (Galway United), Jaden Umeh (Cork City)

Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-16s – Victory Shield Fixtures

Monday, November 6 | Ireland v Scotland, Ruthin Town FC, Wales, KO 12pm

Wednesday, November 8 | Wales v Ireland, Denbigh Town, Wales, KO 6pm

Saturday, November 11 | Northern Ireland v Ireland, Ruthin Town FC, Wales, KO 11.05am