Southampton's Seamas Keogh called up to Ireland under-18 squad for friendly tournament

Republic of Ireland under-18 boss Andy Reid has called up former Ireland under-17 captain Seamas Keogh for an upcoming friendly tournament in Sweden next week.

Keogh captained Colin O'Brien’s under-17 side in the European Championships that took place in Ireland this year, where an inexperienced Ireland just fell short at the group stages.

The Boys in Green will face Austria, Sweden and Norway during a training camp that will take place in Sundsvall, Sweden.

Former Shamrock Rovers youngster James Furlong has also been called up to the squad as current St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder Brandon Holt.

Preston North End’s Jimmy Corcoran has also been called up to the side while there are also first-tim inclusions for Oxford United’s Nico Jones, Sunderland forward Cole Kiernan and Norwich City's Tony Springett.

Speaking ahead of the camp in Sundsvall, Reid told the FAI; “This is a great set of fixtures that we’re heading into and we’ve got an exciting squad that will compete against Sweden, Austria and Norway.

"They should be close games and they have good quality in their teams regardless of their level.

“We have players in the squad who accounted themselves well in the Under-17 Championships but they will be looking to prove themselves again and it’s up to them to do that.

“The Under-18s is about preparing those players for the next level as well as looking at players new to the set-up such as Tony Springett, Cole Kiernan and Nico Jones – this is all part of the development of the players to help the new lads.

“It’s a great opportunity for the players to further their development. Myself and Denis Hyland [assistant coach] have the experience and we’ll look to share that with the squad.

“If they buy into what we are doing they’re going to come out it for the better.”

Republic of Ireland Under-18 squad in full

Goalkeepers: Jimmy Corcoran (Preston North End), Harry Halwax (Derby County).

Defenders: Alex Dunne (Shamrock Rovers), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Jaden Charles (Derby County), James Furlong (Brighton & Hove Albion), Luke Turner (Aberdeen), Sean McEvoy (Ballinamallard), Nico Jones (Oxford United), Timi Sobowale (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Brandon Holt (St Patrick’s Athletic), Gabriel Adebambo (Dundalk), Kian Leavy (Reading), Seamas Keogh (Southampton), Tony Springett (Norwich City) Sean Kennedy (Cork City), Charlie McCann (Manchester United).

Forwards: Conor Carty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Cole Kiernan (Sunderland), Josh Giurgi (Norwich City).