Doolin announces U18 squad for UK training camp

Republic of Ireland Under-18 head coach Paul Doolin has named an 18-man squad for a UK training camp.

The Irish youngsters will train in Birmingham before playing a friendly against a Birmingham City select at the Championship club’s St Andrews home on Saturday afternoon.

“This trip is with an eye towards next season. We had squad in Switzerland in November which was a useful exercise and I didn’t want to leave it until August to see players again,” said Doolin.

“There are some young players that I’m looking forward to seeing up close for the first time after they finished up with the U17s recently.

“The likes of Sam Byrne, Sean Long, Ryan O’Reilly, Kyle McFadden and Noe Baba are eligible next year too so we’ve a decent squad to look forward to working with next season.  The plan is also to have another under-18 game in November so that the younger lads can keep pushing for inclusion in the U19s.

“It’ll be a case of three training sessions and a game. Maybe even one or two could make a case to be in the U19 squad for our qualifying elite phase in June.”

Cork City’s Alan Browne is one of four home-based players to be included. He was recently named Airtricity U19 League Player of the year after City did the league and cup double in that age-group.

“Lee Desmond is a defender was with Cherry Orchard before going to Newcastle United so he’s the sort of player I’m looking forward to working with,” added Doolin.

“It’s great to see Birmingham City giving the players the opportunity to play in their stadium and I’d like to extend my thanks to them for that. The players and the staff really appreciate that.”

 Saturday, May 4

Birmingham City v Republic of Ireland U18s, St Andrews (3.30pm)

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD:

Shane Fagan                      Coventry City FC

Sean Patton                       Finn Harps FC

Ben McLaughlin                Everton FC

Evan Finnegan                   Doncaster Rovers FC

Lee Desmond                    Newcastle United FC

Ryan Rainey                       Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

Mason Watkins-Clarke  Stoke City FC

Pierce Mitchell                  Bristol City FC

Adam Wixted                    Derby County FC

Cody Mulhall                      Stella Maris FC

Conor Dimaio                     Sheffield United FC

Jack Byrne                           Manchester City FC

Jake Mulraney                  Nottingham Forest FC

Cory Galvin                         Ipswich Town FC

Cathal McDaid                   Finn Harps FC

Alan Browne                      Cork City FC

Alan O’Sullivan                  Aberdeen FC

Conor Wilkinson               Millwall FC