Boyle and Curtis named in under-21 squad for Kosovo qualifier

Finn Harps defender Ethan Boyle and Derry City striker Ronan Curtis have been named in the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad for their opening European Championship qualifier against Kosovo in Tallaght later this month.

 

The pair are the sole holdovers from Noel King's home-based selection that played out a scoreless draw with the Irish Amateur side at the AUL Complex in Dublin on February 11th.

 

Ireland are in a tough group alongside Germany, Israel, Norway, Azerbaijan and the Kosovans, with only the group winners guaranteed to advance to the finals in Italy and San Marino in 2019.

 

King's side take on Kosovo – who are taking part in their first-ever campaign as a UEFA member – on March 25th with kick-off scheduled for 1.00pm.

 

Donegal native Curtis as called up to take part in an under-21 training camp in Spain back in November, while it's Wexford native Boyle's first full involvement after picking up under-19 caps.

 



There's also a first call-up for Belfast-born Aston Villa midfielder Rory Hale – son of former Dundalk great Danny Hale – whose brother Ronan is involved with the under-19s.

 

Another new face in the squad is Queens Park Rangers' Ryan Manning. The former Mervue United and Galway attacker has established a regular place in Ian Holloway's midfield this season.

 

Republic of Ireland Under 21 Squad:


Goalkeepers: Kieran O’Hara (Manchester United), Liam Bossin (Anderlecht)




Defenders: Danny Kane (Huddersfield Town), Ryan Sweeney (Stoke City – on loan at Bristol Rovers), Shaun Donnellan (West Bromwich Albion), Corey Whelan (Liverpool), Connor O’Grady (Sheffield Wednesday)


Midfielders: Liam Kinsella (Walsall), Rory Hale (Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (West Ham United – on loan at Bradford), Harry Charsley (Everton), Ryan Manning (Queens Park Rangers), Ethan Boyle (Finn Harps), Connor Dimaio (Chesterfield), Olamide Shodipo (Queens Park Rangers - on loan to Port Vale)
 

Forwards: Ronan Curtis (Derry City), Grego Cox (Queens Park Rangers), Jake Mulraney (Inverness CT), Joe Quigley (Bournemouth - on loan at Gillingham)