Doolin names strong starting XI
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Paul Doolin has named his Republic of Ireland Under-23 starting 11 ahead of this evening’s International Challenge Trophy opening match against England in the RSC in Waterford. (kick-off 7.30pm)
Doolin’s squad have been in Waterford since Sunday preparing for the game finishing with a short training session this morning.
Waterford-born Kenny Browne, who was doubtful for the game, will make his international debut in front of his home town crowd tonight after recovering from a bout of flu. Browne made a name for himself at Waterford United before moving to full-time football with Sporting Fingal this season.
Galway United midfielder Stephen O'Donnell is set to captain the side. Speaking to Extratime, O'Donnell admitted he's expecting a tough game.
“They have all the best young players from the conference and a few of them might be getting moves into league clubs now so it’ll be very tough. We definitely need a good result, there’s only two matches in the group so need to pick up something, but we’re looking for the win. A win would set up us nicely for the Estonia match.”
O’Donnell is expected to partner Ronan Finn and James Chambers in the middle of the park with Ross Gaynor and Billy Dennehy likely to occupy both wings. Kenny Browne and Conor Powell will occupy the full back positions with Stephen Mulcahy and Garry Breen expected to fill the centre back rolls. Sporting Fingal’s Darren Quigley is in goal while Paul Byrne is likely to lead the attack on his own up front
Republic of Ireland Under-23 Starting VI:
Darren Quigley; Stephen Mulcahy, Garry Breen, Kenny Browne, Conor Powell; Ronan Finn, Stephen O'Donnell, James Chambers, Ross Gaynor, Billy Dennehy; Paul Byrne.
Doolin’s squad have been in Waterford since Sunday preparing for the game finishing with a short training session this morning.
Waterford-born Kenny Browne, who was doubtful for the game, will make his international debut in front of his home town crowd tonight after recovering from a bout of flu. Browne made a name for himself at Waterford United before moving to full-time football with Sporting Fingal this season.
Galway United midfielder Stephen O'Donnell is set to captain the side. Speaking to Extratime, O'Donnell admitted he's expecting a tough game.
“They have all the best young players from the conference and a few of them might be getting moves into league clubs now so it’ll be very tough. We definitely need a good result, there’s only two matches in the group so need to pick up something, but we’re looking for the win. A win would set up us nicely for the Estonia match.”
O’Donnell is expected to partner Ronan Finn and James Chambers in the middle of the park with Ross Gaynor and Billy Dennehy likely to occupy both wings. Kenny Browne and Conor Powell will occupy the full back positions with Stephen Mulcahy and Garry Breen expected to fill the centre back rolls. Sporting Fingal’s Darren Quigley is in goal while Paul Byrne is likely to lead the attack on his own up front
Republic of Ireland Under-23 Starting VI:
Darren Quigley; Stephen Mulcahy, Garry Breen, Kenny Browne, Conor Powell; Ronan Finn, Stephen O'Donnell, James Chambers, Ross Gaynor, Billy Dennehy; Paul Byrne.
About Brendan White
Brendan White is Extratime News Editor and is responsible for the news section of Extratime.ie. Brendan also covers matches in Dublin and Waterford. You can contact Brendan on twitter @whitebrendan. View Full Profile