Colin O'Brien hails Ireland Under-17 side after European Championship qualification

Colin O’Brien hailed his Ireland Under-17 side as they sealed their place in the European Championships this summer.

The young Boys in Green qualified for the tournament after winning two and drawing one of their three Elite Phase qualifiers this week.

And their most recent win was the most important as a late Nickson Okosun goal sealed automatic qualification against Cyprus – with the Bohs youngster starring off the bench.

Ireland won the game 3-2 with St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder Luke Kehir and Shamrock Rovers teenager Naj Razi also netting.

They also claimed a 2-2 draw against Italy, while also defeating Ukraine 3-0 at the tournament.

O’Brien’s side knew that they had to match or equal Italy’s result to qualify – which they did as the Azzurri defeated Ukraine 3-0 and Ireland saw off Cyprus 3-2.

But the young Boys in Green did so with 16 home-based players included in the squad – and with all three of their goalscorer’s against Cyprus plying their trade in the League of Ireland.

And O’Brien said: “The players have had a huge education when it comes to tournament football.

“They’ve played tough opposition, they’ve played with 10 men, against 10 men and they’ve had to deal with swings in momentum in a game.

“They’ve done their clubs proud and the clubs must take credit for their development.

“They’re a super squad, I felt like we were the strongest squad here. It’s a great day for Irish football, for Irish youth football and it goes to show just how much talent we have in this country – that's players and coaches.

“I want to thank the players and the staff for their hard work, they’ve been excellent.”