Doolin announces U19 squad to face Czech Republic
Credit:
Republic of Ireland U19 manager Paul Doolin has named a strong squad ahead of two internationals against Czech Republic. Ryan Coombes of St. Patrick's Athletic is the only player chosen who is plying his trade in the Airtricity League.
The boys in green will do battle in two matches against the Czechs, the first match taking place in Flancare Park on Tuesday the 5th of February, and the second match taking place in Athlone on Thursday the 7th of February. These matches will be great preparation ahead of the UEFA Championship elite qualifying round in June.
Doolin will be very happy to have a lot of his players back after injuries forced a lot of them to miss the first phase of qualifying in Luxembourg in October, when the Irish finished joint top with Germany.
I’m very happy to have quite a few players fit again,” said Doolin.
“It’s good to have the likes of Darragh Lenihan back, he was in Latvia in our friendly game in August and is a very good player. It was a blow to lose him for the first phase. Kenny McEvoy returns from a groin problem - he’s exciting and quick. We’re also very pleased to have Paul George back after his injury as he did very well last year.
The Irish will go into these games against the Czechs full of confidence after finishing with seven points from last October's qualifying campaign and drawing 2-2 with Germany after going two goals down.
Doolin is planning on bringing the squad to Malaga from a preparation week in March to help prepare for the elite phase. Ireland meet Serbia, Slovakia and Switzerland in June in the elite qualifying tournament.
“The Czech games are about building on what we’ve done so far. Played four and not lost any. We want to get the continuity going again. It’s a decent batch of players. We’ll be looking for good performances from individual players and build on what we did in Luxembourg.”
Republic of Ireland U19 squad:
Ian Lawlor (Manchester City)
Danny Rogers (Aberdeen)
Kyle McFadden (Norwich City)
Thomas Hoban (Watford)
Pierce Sweeney (Reading)
Ryan McConnell (Manchester United)
Shane Griffin (Reading)
Bradley Garmston (West Bromwich Albion)
Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers)
Luke Gallagher (Burnley)
Kenneth McEvoy (Tottenham
Kieran Sadlier (West Ham United)
Michael Drennan (Aston Villa)
Sam Byrne (Manchester United)
Brandon Miele (Newcastle United)
Ryan Coombes (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Sean Maguire (West Ham United)
Kealan Dillon (Hull City)
Adam Evans (Burnley)
Paul George (Celtic)
Fixtures
Tuesday, February 5
Republic of Ireland U19 v Czech Republic, Flancare Park, Longf
Thursday, February 7
Republic of Ireland U19 v Czech Republic, Athlone Town Stadium (7.30pm)
