Ireland Men’s Under-18 Head Coach Colin O’Brien has named his squad for three friendlies in Croatia next week.

First up for the young Irish team is Japan on Wednesday, followed by hosts Croatia on Saturday before Ireland close out the international window with a game against Portugal.

The friendlies will form preparation for the 2025/26 UEFA Under-19 Qualifiers next autumn.

Speaking ahead of the games Colin O’Brien said: “These are really important games. With the current format there’s no competitive competition at this age group so it’s vital we get players at this age playing strong opposition. Players develop differently, some have stepped up to the Under-19s, with others it’s really important we bring them in and playing.

“I’m delighted we have this level of opposition. Portugal, we played them last year and the went all the way to the Under-17s final. Croatia are always a strong opponent and getting a country like Japan, I’m really excited about, as they play a really attacking type of football. It will be strong opposition and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-18s Squad

Goalkeepers: Alex Noonan (Shamrock Rovers), Cian O’Shea (Stockport County)

Defenders: Luca Cailloce (Shelbourne), Fiachra Coffey (Shelbourne), Daniel Mare (Shamrock Rovers), Taylor McCarthy (Shelbourne), Harry McGlinchey (Chelsea), Raymond Offor (Shelbourne), James Roche (Shamrock Rovers), Kaylem Harnett (Wexford FC), Egor Vassenin (Klub Kildare),

Midfielders: Adam Brennan (UCD), Sean Moore (Bohemians), Luke O’Donnell (Wolves), Joe Sheridan (Cliftonville), Keilan Quinn (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Kyle Fitzgerald (Galway United), Daniel Ring (Shelbourne), Matt Murray (Cork City), Zak O’Sullivan (Waterford), Ajibola Oluwabiyi (Shamrock Rovers)

International Friendly Fixtures (All kick-off times are Irish time)

Wednesday, November 13 | Ireland v Japan, Sports Centre Zelena Laguna, Poreč, KO 11:00
Saturday, November 16 | Croatia v Ireland, Sports Centre Zelena Laguna, Poreč, KO 13:30
Tuesday, November 19 | Portugal v Ireland, Sports Centre Zelena Laguna, Poreč, KO 11:00