Osam names Ireland U16 squad for Victory Shield

REPUBLIC of Ireland U16 Head Coach Paul Osam has named his squad for the forthcoming Victory Shield tournament which takes place in Edinburgh.

 

The Irish will go into the tournament looking to make their mark against neighbouring opponents Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

 

Osam had experience of this tournament in Newport last year when his side drew with the Scots and Northern Ireland and were narrowly beaten by the hosts Wales.

 

The tournament provides these players with an opportunity to test themselves on the international stage and continue their progression up the development ladder.

 

“Last year I wasn’t long into the position as U16s Head Coach before the tournament arrived it so it was a bit rushed in preparation but this year had we've had a lot more time to assess players and have had development squads in the Mayo Cup and Galway Cup so we've seen a lot more players," said Osam. 

 



"We have also had friendly games against St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians U17s so I’ve a good idea of the strength of players in the group. 

 

"In this tournament we can bring 22 players so that gives us the opportunity to look at more players in the games. It’s really not until you play international teams that you can really see which players can play in international football. 

 

"The objective for the season is that we want to have them prepared for the UEFA Development Tournament in May so they can be ready to be handed over to Colin O'Brien and the U17s the following season.

 



“Some of the players we have at our disposal will have been with the U17s already this season and it’ll be beneficial to have them in the squad, I had some of them last year with the U16s when they were U15s so they’ve experienced playing up an age. They’ve good professional mentalities and they know the expectations at this level. They’re top players for their age.

 

“As for the tournament itself, I’m looking forward to it, playing similar style opposition to ourselves. There's not a lot of difference between the four teams. We’re well prepared for it. It’s about developing the players one step further and the experience they'll gain in tournaments like this will stand to them."

 

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND:

Kian Clarke (St Kevin's Boys)

Harry Clarke (Cherry Orchard)

Max Murphy (St Joseph's Boys)

Kevin O'Reilly (Cherry Orchard)

Nathan Collins (Cherry Orchard)

Kameron Ledwidge (St Kevin's Boys)

Jason Knight (Cabinteely)

Marc Walsh (Finn Harps)

Barry Coffey (Nenagh AFC)

Adam Idah (College Corinthians)

Sean Brennan (Belvedere)

Callum Thompson (St Joseph's Boys)

Connor O'Reilly (Bonagee United)

Oisin McEntee (Malahide United)

Mark McGuinness (Arsenal)

Adam O'Reilly (Ringmahon Rangers)

Tyreik Wright (Lakewood AFC)

Ryan Cassidy (St Kevin's Boys)

Ray O'Sullivan (St Kevin's Boys)

Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers)

Ciaran Brennan (East End United)

Sean Mahon (Cherry Orchard)

 

FIXTURES

Victory Shield U16 Tournament

Sunday, October 30

Scotland v Northern Ireland, Oriam, Edinburgh (2pm)

Wales v Republic of Ireland, Oriam, Edinburgh (5pm)

 

Tuesday, November 1

Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland, Oriam, Edinburgh (1pm)

Scotland v Wales, Oriam, Edinburgh (4pm)

 

Friday, November 4

Northern Ireland v Wales, Oriam, Edinburgh (12.30pm)

Scotland v Republic of Ireland, Oriam, Edinburgh (3.30pm)