Doolin announces Under-18 friendly squad
Republic of Ireland under-18 manager Paul Doolin has announced his squad for the two upcoming friendly games against Switzerland in Monthey next week.
Stadium Philippe Pottier will host the friendlies on Tuesday November 13th and Thursday November 15th.
The purpose of the friendlies is to assess the squad ahead of the U19 campaign next year as well as giving an opportunity to players to make their case for inclusion in the UEFA U19 Championships elite qualifying round campaign in May.
Speaking about the friendlies, manager Doolin insists that preparation is key if you want to be successful.
“It’s an opportunity to see this age group after they made the transition from last year’s Under-17 campaign.”
“Next year they will be looking to be in the Under-19s squad and I think it’s important to play games like this because if you work with them at Under-18 level it gives you a chance to have a look and give them the ideas for what you want in competitive games.
“With the elite phase in May perhaps one or two may come into consideration for those games. It’s also important for them to keep playing international football.
“We have a couple of new players in too that our scouting team identified in the UK including Lynden Gooch is an American-born player at Sunderland with Irish family background, Mason Watkins-Clarke is a similar player that our scouts have recommended. I’m also pleased that we have some home-based players involved too.
“Switzerland are decent and have a good record at underage level so it’ll be a good test. These games are not about the result but more towards getting them set for next year.”
The squad in full is as follows:
Eric Grimes
Shane Fagan
Sean Long
Ben McLaughlin
Mason Watkins-Clarke Aston Villa FC
Kyle McFadden Norwich City FC
Ryan McConnell
Evan Finnegan Doncaster Rovers FC
Sean Coyne
Johnny Leddy
Gary O’Neill
Dylan Hayes
Tom Mulroney St Patrick’s Athletic FC
Kevin O’Connor
Dylan McGlade Middlesbrough FC
Adam Wixted
Jack Grealish
Alan O’Sullivan Aberdeen FC
Lynden Gooch
Sam O’Connor Hull City FC