Doolin announces Under-18 friendly squad

Republic of Ireland under-18 manager Paul Doolin has announced his squad for the two upcoming friendly games against Switzerland in Monthey next week.

Stadium Philippe Pottier will host the friendlies on Tuesday November 13^th and Thursday November 15^th.

The purpose of the friendlies is to assess the squad ahead of the U19 campaign next year as well as giving an opportunity to players to make their case for inclusion in the UEFA U19 Championships elite qualifying round campaign in May.

Speaking about the friendlies, manager Doolin insists that preparation is key if you want to be successful.

“It’s an opportunity to see this age group after they made the transition from last year’s Under-17 campaign.”

“Next year they will be looking to be in the Under-19s squad and I think it’s important to play games like this because if you work with them at Under-18 level it gives you a chance to have a look and give them the ideas for what you want in competitive games.

“With the elite phase in May perhaps one or two may come into consideration for those games. It’s also important for them to keep playing international football.

“We have a couple of new players in too that our scouting team identified in the UK including Lynden Gooch is an American-born player at Sunderland with Irish family background, Mason Watkins-Clarke is a similar player that our scouts have recommended. I’m also pleased that we have some home-based players involved too.

“Switzerland are decent and have a good record at underage level so it’ll be a good test. These games are not about the result but more towards getting them set for next year.”

The squad in full is as follows:

Eric Grimes                                         Leeds United FC

Shane Fagan                                      Coventry City FC

Sean Long                                           Reading FC

Ben McLaughlin                                Everton FC

Mason Watkins-Clarke                  Aston Villa FC

Kyle McFadden                                 Norwich City FC

Ryan McConnell                               Manchester United FC

Evan Finnegan                                   Doncaster Rovers FC

Sean Coyne                                        UCD AFC

Johnny Leddy                                    Ipswich Town FC

Gary O’Neill                                        Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

Dylan Hayes                                       Derby County FC

Tom Mulroney                                  St Patrick’s Athletic FC

Kevin O’Connor                                Waterford United FC

Dylan McGlade                                 Middlesbrough FC

Adam Wixted                                    Derby County FC

Jack Grealish                                      Aston Villa FC

Alan O’Sullivan                                  Aberdeen FC

Lynden Gooch                                   Sunderland FC

Sam O’Connor                                   Hull City FC