Republic of Ireland U15s ready for Juventus test
Credit:
The Republic of Ireland Under-15 side will play the first games of their season’s programme of matches in Doha on Tuesday when they meet Italian stars Juventus at the Aspire Academy.
Niall Harrison’s youngsters will meet Juve and the Aspire Academy in the next two days as they commence their international careers.
“We’ve had our first training session in Qatar and the lads are in good spirits. The weather is warm but not overbearing so match conditions should be fine,” said Harrison.
“These games will be a serious test for our lads. Juventus and Aspire both train six days a week whereas we’ve been together as a group just four times.
“It’s a new level for our guys. Often players who stand out in their home environment find the step up a big challenge and we’re aware that may happen.
“We’ve focused on playing possession football with all our underage teams for the last couple of years and the lads know that’s the style of football we’ll be expecting them to play.”
The Irish squad has come together after being watched by FAI scouts in recent seasons and working with the FAI’s Emerging Talent Programme but the first steps on the international ladder are as much about getting to know your colleagues as they are about adjusting to the level.
“We’ve worked on building a new sense of being in a squad over the last few days and we’ve seen signs that they are getting on well and that’s very important if they are to grow and be comfortable at this level,” said Harrison.
Republic of Ireland U15 squad:
Avis Ganiyu (Templeogue Utd)
Brandon Payne (Lucan Utd)
Conor Davis (Templeogue Utd)
Conor Masterson (Lucan Utd)
Corey Chambers (St Kevin’s Boys)
Daniel Mandariou (St Kevin’s Boys)
Robert McCourt (St Kevin’s Boys)
Steven Kinsella (Templeogue Utd)
Gareth Doherty (Letterkenny Rovers)
Jessie Stafford Lacey (St Brendan’s Park)
Jake Doyle Hayes (Ballyjamesduff)
Sean Whelan (Lucan Utd)
Jean Yves Pomme (Corduff FC)
Zachary Elbouzedi (Malahide Utd)
Ross Treacy (Parkvilla FC)
Stephen Nolan (BT Harps FC)
Mark Buckley (Dunmanway Town)
Conor Levingston (Gorey Rangers)
FIXTURES:
Tuesday, December 18
International U15 Friendly
Republic of Ireland v Juventus, Qatar, 4.05pm (local time) 1.05pm (Irish time)
Wednesday, December 19
International U15 Friendly
Aspire Academy v Republic of Ireland, Qatar, 4.05pm (local time) 1.05pm (Irish time)
