Ireland U17 men raring to go ahead of U17 Euro Finals opener later today

Colin O'Brien and his Republic of Ireland U17 side will kick start their European Finals campaign in Group C when they take on Serbia at 3.30pm (Irish time) later on today.

 

Having won all six of their qualifying games, scoring 16 goals and keeping 4 clean sheets, the Boys in Green enter the tournament in red hot form. Speaking to the FAI's media team O'Brien revealed he is hoping that a number of key players can overcome some untimely niggles to make it for kick off.

 

“Preparation has gone well so far. We’ve had one final pitch session today and we’re now ready to go for the Serbia game tomorrow. We’ve a couple of niggles, a couple of players to keep an eye on and make one or two decisions on before kick off. We’ll assess it today and then we’ll be able to make our final decision.”

 

Winning tends to breathe confidence and that is something which O'Brien pointed out when asked about the mood in the camp after the squad assembled just under a week ago.

 

“The mood is great in the camp. This group of players are very mature. There is a very good team dynamic with them and a very good team spirit. They are all looking forward to this opportunity. We know the challenges that will be there in the group stages but we have got to be solely focussed on game one and take it from there,” O’Brien stated.

 



 

Republic of Ireland Under 17 Squad - UEFA European Under 17 Championship

Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (St Patrick’s Athletic), Kian Clarke (Bohemians)
Defenders: Lee O’Connor (Manchester United), Kameron Ledwidge (St Kevin’s Boys), Nathan Collins (Cherry Orchard), Jordan Doherty (Sheffield United), Daryl Walsh (Waterford FC), Joe Redmond (Birmingham City) 
Midfielders: Aaron Bolger (Shamrock Rovers), Luke Nolan (St Patrick’s Athletic), Brandon Kavanagh (Bohemians), Richard O’Farrell (St Patrick’s Athletic), Gavin Kilkenny (Bournemouth), Callum Thompson (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Forwards: Rowan Roache (Blackpool), Adam Idah (College Corinthians), Aaron Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Tyreik Wright (Lakewood AFC) 

 

Fixtures
Thursday, 4 May: Republic of Ireland v Serbia, Stadium Kostrena, KO 15:30 Irish Time LIVE on Eurosport 1
Sunday 7 May: Republic of Ireland v Bosnia & Herzegovina, Stadium Kostrena, Kostrena, KO 15:30 Irish Time
Wednesday, 10 May: Republic of Ireland v Germany, Stadium Rujevica, Rijeka, KO 11:00 Irish Time, LIVE on Eurosport 1