Doolin names squad for U19 training camp in Spain
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Republic of Ireland U19 team head coach Paul Doolin has named his squad for a week-long training camp in Malaga, Spain, as his side prepares for the UEFA Championships qualifying tournament at the end of the season.
The Irish have been drawn with Serbia, Switzerland and Slovakia in the Elite qualifying round in Serbia in June with the winners progressing to the finals in Lithuania in July.
“We have just finished our first session of the week. It’s raining at the moment but we’re hoping that things will be better during the week,” said Doolin.
“We used these facilities before when I was with Drogheda and it’s a very good opportunity to get the players together. The purpose of this week is to get the guys prepared for the summer. We’ve had six games so far no defeats.
“The first phase was a fantastic performance to get through that group with Germany and remain unbeaten and I felt we were excellent in the two friendly games against Czech Republic last month.
“There are a few things we need to improve upon for the qualifiers. We’ll work on the shape and defending and attacking. We were due to play Malaga but we are playing Gibraltar on Friday and I think that will work well for us. They’ll have some senior players in their side.”
Doolin’s major concern is over the fitness of several of his key players. Captain Tommy Hoban (ankle) is out for the season while Mickey Drennan (cracked bone in his foot) and Darragh Lenihan (stress fracture in his back) are major doubts.
“It’s very unfortunate for Tommy Hoban as he is our captain and a great lad. I hope goes all well with his operation. I’m hoping Noe Baba will be back from his ankle injury by qualifiers,” said Doolin.
“I’ve brought in Carel Tiofack who now plays in first team at Cadiz after joining them from Ipswich. I saw him play with our U17s previously. He’s quick and strong.”
Tiofack was born in Cameroon but grew up in Ballincollig before signing for Ipswich Town and has been playing in Spain with Cadiz CF.
“We’re also looked at Paul Mahony who plays left-back or wide left. He plays with Elche and is part of a team close to getting promoted to La Liga. He’s been here a while and nobody knew anything about him. He was born in Dublin and moved over when he was very young,” added Doolin.
Republic of Ireland U19 squad:
Ian Lawlor Manchester City FC
Danny Rogers Aberdeen FC
Shane Fagan Stoke City FC
Steven Smith Leicester City FC
Kyle McFadden Norwich City FC
Pierce Sweeney Reading FC
Seán Long Reading FC
Shane Griffin Reading FC
Jack Doherty Waterford United FC
Seán Kavanagh Fulham FC
Kealan Dillon Hull City FC
Luke Gallagher Burnley FC
Kenneth McEvoy Tottenham Hotspur FC
Kieran Sadlier West Ham Utd FC
Carel Tiofack Cadiz CF
Sam Byrne Manchester Utd FC
Paul Mahony Elche CF
Seán Maguire West Ham Utd FC
Conor Pepper Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC
Adam Evans Burnley FC
Ryan Coombes Athlone Town FC
