Six LOI players named in U19 Irish squad

Tom Mohan has named Six League of Ireland players representing six different clubs in his Republic of Ireland U19 squad for three upcoming UEFA Under 19 Championships Qualifying Round games.

St. Patrick's Athletic goalkeeper Brian Maher, Bohemians defender Warren O'Hora, Shamrock Rovers midfielder Aaron Bolger and forwards John Martin, Thomas Byrne and Neil Farrugia of Waterford, Drogheda United and UCD respectively are the home-based players in the squad.

“A lot of the players are around first team level with their clubs so their individual confidence is high. We're also pleased that we have six home-based players plus six players that could still play U18 level this season so there's a good mix in the squad,” Mohan said.

All three of Ireland's game will be in the RSC in Waterford with the first of those taking place on Wednesday against Azerbaijan.

Ireland then face Cyprus three days later before taking on Serbia on Tuesday, October 10th in the final group game.

The mini qualifying tournament will see the top two teams from the group progress to the Elite Round, which would be played in the spring of 2018.

The seven group winners from the Elite Round would then join hosts Finland in the finals of the championships next July.

However, Mohan has insisted his only focus is now the first game against Azerbaijan with the main target being to reach the Elite Round.

“There'll be three tough games but really our only focus is on Azerbaijan as they're our first challenge. We've looked at a lot of their games and their squad is technically good and they have quick players.

“They've beaten Scotland and drew with Belgium in the past while so it'll be very competitive. You're main focus is qualifying but you just can't look beyond first game,” he said.

This group of players played together in September in a double header against the Czech Republic with Ireland winning both games 2-1.

"This is a good group of players and these lads were together for two games against the Czech Republic recently and did very well but we know there is still room for improvement.

There is free entry to all three games for Waterford season ticket holders, Waterford IT students and FAI season ticket holders.

With a number of local players in the squad including Lee O'Connor, Jayson Molumby, Thomas O'Connor and John Martin, Mohan hopes his side are again well supported.

"Anytime we play in Waterford we're well supported so with so many local lads playing we'll be hoping the public comes out to support the lads," said Mohan.

Republic of Ireland U19 Squad to face Azerbaijan, Cyprus and Serbia.
 

Goalkeepers: Mark Travers (Bournemouth - On Loan at Weymouth), Brian Maher (St Patrick’s Athletic)
 

Defenders: Tyreke Wilson (Manchester City), Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion - On loan at Hereford United), Canice Carroll (Oxford United), Warren O’Hora (Bohemians), Lee O’Connor (Manchester United), Jordan Doherty (Sheffield United)
 

Midfielders: Daniel McKenna (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rian O’Sullivan (Brighton & Hove Albion - On loan at Worthing), Jayson Molumby (Brighton & Hove Albion), Aaron Bolger (Shamrock Rovers), Thomas O’Connor (Southampton), Kian Flanagan (Crystal Palace), Anthony Scully (West Ham United)
 

Forwards: Michael Obafemi (Southampton), John Martin (Waterford), Thomas Byrne (Drogheda United), Jonathan Afolabi (Southampton), Neil Farrugia (UCD)

UEFA Under-19 Championship 2018 Qualifying Round Group 7 Fixtures

Wednesday, October 4
Azerbaijan vs Republic of Ireland, RSC (15:00)

Saturday, October 7
Republic of Ireland vs Cyprus, RSC (19:00)

Tuesday, October 10
Republic of Ireland vs Serbia, RSC (13:00)