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)