Paul Doolin’s home-based U18s ready for Welsh test
Republic of Ireland U18 head coach Paul Doolin will take charge of a home-based squad that faces Wales in a friendly at The Book People Stadium, home of Bangor City FC, on Wednesday night (7.00pm).
The Irish have settled into North Wales after arriving on Sunday afternoon and Doolin believes the game will prove a useful exercise in the long term.
“Players all develop at different rates. For the players it’s a good opportunity to represent their country,” said Doolin.
“It’s hard to know how they will develop and hopefully further down the line they’ll get involved with the U18s for next year or push on towards the U19 squad after that. A couple of them might push for Tom Mohan’s U17 squad before the end of this season.
“The players have been excellent. We’re looking forward to the game. The facilities look good and training has gone very well under Jim Crawford last night, this morning and next up will be this evening’s session.
“We’ve worked on the shape and what we want from them defensively, and will now be looking at what we want from them in an attacking sense. It’s been good. The players are enthusiastic. There are plenty of talented young players here. I haven’t seen much of them, but if we can get a bit of structure we’ll be pleased. Jim Crawford has been doing a lot of the work with them, It’s a good opportunity for him too.”
“The likes of Cathal McDaid, Jake Dykes and Conor O’Driscoll who are playing for their clubs in the Airtricity U19 League have stood out so far.”
Republic of Ireland U18 squad:
Jake Dykes Sligo Rovers FC
Alan Browne Cork City FC
Cathal McDaid Finn Harps FC
Conor Tourish Derry City FC
Lloyd Buckley St Kevin’s Boys FC
Shane Mackey Tramore AFC
Ryan Goldsmith Mayfield United FC
Gareth McCaffrey Stella Maris FC
Peter Healy Mervue United FC
Darren Kilcawley Sligo Rovers FC
George Kelly Derry City FC
Alex O’Callaghan Liffey Valley Rangers FC
Conor O’Driscoll Cork City FC
Darragh Black Finn Harps FC
Anthony McAlavey Cork City FC
Shane Morrissey Waterford Bohs FC
Liam Flatley Castlebar Celtic FC
Paddy Slevin Derry City FC
FIXTURE:
Tuesday, February 26
U18 International Friendly
Wales v Republic of Ireland, The Book People Stadium, Bangor City FC (7pm)