Republic of Ireland under 17 boss Colin O'Brien has named his squad for the upcoming European Championship Qualifiers in Cork.
The Former Cork City midfielder has included four City players in his 20 player squad - defedner Cathal Heffernan, and attackers Liam Murray, Mark O'Mahony and Franco Umeh.
The Boys in Green will play three qualifiers in Turners Cross next month - against Andorra on Thursday October 7th, North Macedonia on Sunday October 10th and Poland Wednesday October 13th.
It's the first round of qualification for the Euros.
Around 1,000 fans saw Ireland beat a strong Mexico side 2-1 last month and Head Coach Colin O’Brien is calling on Ireland fans to come out in numbers to support his exciting young team.
He said: “The players were speaking after the win over Mexico about just how much the crowd encouraged them and got behind them and I think that shows just how vital the supporters can be during a game. They (the players) really felt that fan-to-player connection and having a crowd at Turner’s Cross was huge for us.
“These are three big games that set-up our season and I’m sure the Irish fans will be there to get behind this young and exciting Ireland team.”
On his squad O’Brien added: “Having the National League run through the summer gave us a great opportunity to look at a lot of the players and that has helped us in our selection process.
“There’s a very good dynamic within the team which I believe transfers onto the pitch. The players get on so well together and you see that on the pitch.
“I feel there are some really good players in this group with high potential and it is exciting to have them together for these upcoming games.”
Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-17 Squad
Goalkeepers: Fintan Doherty (Derry City), Conor Walsh (Sligo Rovers)
Defenders: Luke Browne (Shelbourne), Sam Curtis (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Cathal Heffernan (Cork City), Ruadhan Kane (Klub Kildare), Daniel Kelly (Sligo Rovers), Luke O’Brien (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
Midfielders: Justin Ferizaj (Shamrock Rovers), Gavin Hodgkin (Shelbourne), Darius Lipsivc (St. Patrick’s Athletic), James McManus (Bohemians), Rocco Vata (Celtic)
Forwards: Trent Kone Doherty (Derry City), Liam Murray (Cork City), Caden McLoughlin (Villareal), Alex Nolan (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Mark O’Mahony (Cork City), Franco Umeh (Cork City), Kevin Zefi (Inter Milan)
UEFA Under-17 European Championship Qualifying Round - Group 5
Thursday, October 7 | Republic of Ireland MU17 v Andorra MU17, Turner’s Cross, KO 7pm
Sunday, October 10 | Republic of Ireland MU17 v North Macedonia MU17, Turner’s Cross, KO 7pm
Wednesday, October 13 | Republic of Ireland MU17 v Poland MU17, Turner’s Cross, 1pm
