Doolin names squad for U19 training camp in Spain

Republic of Ireland U19 team head coach Paul Doolin has named his squad for a week-long training camp in Malaga, Spain, as his side prepares for the UEFA Championships qualifying tournament at the end of the season.

The Irish have been drawn with Serbia, Switzerland and Slovakia in the Elite qualifying round in Serbia in June with the winners progressing to the finals in Lithuania in July.

“We have just finished our first session of the week. It’s raining at the moment but we’re hoping that things will be better during the week,” said Doolin.

“We used these facilities before when I was with Drogheda and it’s a very good opportunity to get the players together. The purpose of this week is to get the guys prepared for the summer. We’ve had six games so far no defeats.

“The first phase was a fantastic performance to get through that group with Germany and remain unbeaten and I felt we were excellent in the two friendly games against Czech Republic last month.

“There are a few things we need to improve upon for the qualifiers. We’ll work on the shape and defending and attacking. We were due to play Malaga but we are playing Gibraltar on Friday and I think that will work well for us. They’ll have some senior players in their side.”

Doolin’s major concern is over the fitness of several of his key players. Captain Tommy Hoban (ankle) is out for the season while Mickey Drennan (cracked bone in his foot) and Darragh Lenihan (stress fracture in his back) are major doubts.

“It’s very unfortunate for Tommy Hoban as he is our captain and a great lad. I hope goes all well with his operation. I’m hoping Noe Baba will be back from his ankle injury by qualifiers,” said Doolin.

“I’ve brought in Carel Tiofack who now plays in first team at Cadiz after joining them from Ipswich. I saw him play with our U17s previously. He’s quick and strong.”

Tiofack was born in Cameroon but grew up in Ballincollig before signing for Ipswich Town and has been playing in Spain with Cadiz CF.

“We’re also looked at Paul Mahony who plays left-back or wide left. He plays with Elche and is part of a team close to getting promoted to La Liga. He’s been here a while and nobody knew anything about him. He was born in Dublin and moved over when he was very young,” added Doolin.

Republic of Ireland U19 squad:

Ian Lawlor                           Manchester City FC

Danny Rogers                    Aberdeen FC

Shane Fagan                      Stoke City FC

Steven Smith                     Leicester City FC

Kyle McFadden                 Norwich City FC

Pierce Sweeney               Reading FC

Seán Long                           Reading FC

Shane Griffin                     Reading FC

Jack Doherty                      Waterford United FC

Seán Kavanagh                 Fulham FC

Kealan Dillon                      Hull City FC

Luke Gallagher                  Burnley FC

Kenneth McEvoy             Tottenham Hotspur FC

Kieran Sadlier                    West Ham Utd FC

Carel Tiofack                      Cadiz CF

Sam Byrne                          Manchester Utd FC

Paul Mahony                     Elche CF              

Seán Maguire                    West Ham Utd FC

Conor Pepper                    Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC

Adam Evans                       Burnley FC

Ryan Coombes                  Athlone Town FC