Ireland's Under-17s gear up for UEFA European Championship qualifiers in Cork
Najemedine Razi of Republic of Ireland, centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's first goal during the UEFA European Under-17 Championship Finals 2023 Group A match between Republic of Ireland and Wales in the Pancho Arena on May 20, 2 Credit: Ben McShane - Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images
Ireland's journey to the UEFA European Under-17s Championships starts this week, as Head Coach Colin O’Brien announces a 20-strong squad set for three decisive qualifying matches in Cork.
The young team is slated to take on Armenia on Wednesday, October 11, followed by matches against Iceland on Saturday, October 14, and Switzerland on Tuesday, October 17.
All these matches will be held at Turner’s Cross, marking Ireland's challenge to secure their spot in the U17 EUROs in Cyprus.
Reflecting on the team's composition, O'Brien brings a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent.
Seven players from the announced squad made it to the last 16 in the previous championship.
The squad, buoyed by their recent 1-0 victory over Belgium, hopes to advance further to the Elite Round next spring.
Highlighting the domestic talent, 12 of the squad members currently ply their trade in the League of Ireland. Among them, Matthew Moore and Ike Orazi stood out last year with their performances in the League of Ireland.
The full squad for the Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-17s is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Joe Collins (Bohemians), Oisin Cooney (Finn Harps)
Defenders: Luca Cailloce (Bohemians), Fiachra Coffey (Bohemians), Harry McGlinchey (Chelsea), Taylor McCarthy (Shelbourne), James Roche (Shamrock Rovers), Kaylem Harnett (Wexford)
Midfielders: Rory Finneran (Blackburn Rovers), Matthew Moore (Hoffenheim), Luke O’Donnell (Derry City), Aaron Ochoa Moloney (Malaga CF), Niall McAndrew (Derby County), Grady McDonnell (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Forwards: Kyle Fitzgerald (Galway United), William Martin (Odense Boldklub), Ike Orazi (Stade de Reims), Mason Melia (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Matthew Murray (Cork City), Jaden Umeh (Cork City)
The upcoming UEFA European Under-17 Championship Qualifiers:
Wednesday, October 11: Ireland vs. Armenia at Turner’s Cross, 7pm; and Iceland vs. Switzerland at Mardyke, 2pm.
Saturday, October 14: Ireland vs. Iceland at Turner’s Cross, 7pm; and Switzerland vs. Armenia at Mardyke, 2pm.
Tuesday, October 17: Switzerland vs. Ireland at Turner’s Cross, 2pm; and Armenia vs. Iceland at Mardyke, 2pm.
