Men’s Under-19s Head Coach Tom Mohan has selected a 22-man squad for two friendlies again Slovakia as he begins preparation for next season’s U19 EURO Qualifiers.

Mohan has called up five players for the first time for the double-header at the MOL Academy, Dunajská Streda. Louis Brady of West Bromwich Albion, Drogheda United's Killian Cailloce, Bohemian's Rhys Brennan, Adam Deans of St.Patrick’s Athletic and Ryan Kelly of Shamrock Rovers all earn first call-ups.

The games will help build the next MU19s squad with several players being urged to use the games as a chance to force their way into future Under-21s squads.

Assistant Head Coach Mick Neville said: “These games are a great opportunity for the players who can play next year to step up and show us the quality they have against tough opposition. It’s also an opportunity for some of the older lads to show the quality they have for Jim Crawford’s Under-21s squad so they’ll be two important games for the players’ development.”

Freddie Turley, currently playing on loan with Bray Wanderers from Shamrock Rovers, and eligible for the next campaign said: “It’s huge to start preparation for next year in the right manner. We were disappointed not to qualify in the first phase but the lads are still excited to represent Ireland and as soon as they put on the jersey they’ll be ready to perform.

“Slovakia will be tough. Tom Mohan is a great coach and always likes us to be tested. We’ll be looking forward to it.”
 

Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-19s Squad

Goalkeepers: Louis Brady (West Bromwich Albion), Conor Walsh (Finn Harps, on loan from Sligo Rovers), Andrew Wogan (Drogheda United)*

Defenders: Stanley Ashbee (Hull City), Killian Cailloce (Drogheda United), Adam Deans (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Jake Grante (Crystal Palace), Cory O’Sullivan (Shamrock Rovers), John O’Sullivan (Shamrock Rovers), Lewis Temple (Shelbourne), Freddie Turley (Bray Wanderers, on loan from Shamrock Rovers)

Midfielders: Romeo Akachukwu (Waterford), Darius Lipsuic (Stoke City), Daniel McGrath (Lommel SK), James McManus (Bohemians), Naj Razi (Como), Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh (Southampton)

Forwards: Rhys Brennan (Bohemians), Ryan Kelly (Shamrock Rovers), Sean Moore (West Ham United), Sean Patton (Derry City), Franco Umeh (Crystal Palace)
 

International Friendly Fixtures (kick-offs Irish time)

Saturday, March 23 | Slovakia MU19 v Ireland MU19, MOL Academy, Dunajská Streda, Slovakia, 2pm
Tuesday, March 26 | Slovakia MU19 v Ireland MU19, MOL Academy, Dunajská Streda Slovakia, 10.30am

*Andrew Wogan will join up with the squad after the Under-21s’ qualifier with San Marino