Tom Mohan names U19 squad for friendlies against Romania

Republic of Ireland Under-19 manager Tom Mohan has announced his squad for two upcoming friendlies against Romania in Spain next week.

 

Among the 20 players selected for next week’s games are six home-based players, Daniel McKenna (Bray Wanderers – on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), Owen Wall and Aaron Dobbs (Wexford), Luke Heeney and Brian Maher (St Patrick’s Athletic) and Edward McGinty (Sligo Rovers).

 

The two games will be an opportunity for the team to prepare for their upcoming UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite Round qualifiers against Kosovo, Portugal and Slovakia next month for a place in the finals in Finland this July.

 

“It’s our last opportunity before the Elite Round to get a look at players,” said Mohan speaking to fai.ie.

 

“Obviously we are missing a number of players so that opens the door for other lads to come in and stake their claim for a place. Some of the guys have taken the opportunity they’ve been given in pre-season domestically and have done really well.

 



“Any time you get a squad in you have to make the most of it. Romania topped their group in qualifying, they’ll be tough opponents and that is what you want.

 

“We want our players tested at the highest level before the Elite Round because it is a very competitive stage and that is exactly what these two games will give us,” he said.

 

Ireland take on Romania in La Manga Spain on Tuesday, February 13th (kick-off 2pm) and Thursday, February 15th (kick-off 11am).

 



Republic of Ireland Under-19 Squad

Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (St Patrick's Athletic), Edward McGinty (Sligo Rovers), Rory Brown (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Defenders: Lee O'Connor (Manchester United), Dara O'Shea (Hereford United - on loan from West Bromwich Albion), James Finnerty (Aston Villa), Callum Cockerill-Mollett (Walsall), Canice Carroll (Oxford United), Callum Nicell (Leeds United), Daniel McKenna (Bray Wanderers - on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Midfielders: Rian O'Sullivan (Brighton & Hove Albion), Kian Flanagan (Crystal Palace), Cieran Dunne (Falkirk), Owen Wall (Wexford), Rowan Roache (Blackpool), Anthony Scully (West Ham United)

Forwards: Aidan Keena (Queens Park - on loan from Hearts), Matthew Shiels (Rangers), Luke Heeney (St Patrick's Athletic), Aaron Dobbs (Wexford)