Republic of Ireland U19s in action at Eamonn Deacy Park

The Republic of Ireland U19 team face Slovenia and Latvia at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday and Sunday this week.

Adult tickets are €5, students and under 16’s go FREE.

Paul Doolin’s side know that a solid start in Group 1 could have a massive impact on whether they progress to the Elite Phase. The top two sides from each progress alongside the third-placed team with the best record against the top pair in their group.

Ireland lost Burnley striker Khius Metz to an ankle injury this week so Dundalk’s Michael O’Connor has been added to the squad.

“It’s going to be a tough game for us. Slovenia are a decent team. They’ve had 11 friendlies and look like they’ve been together longer than us. They have strong players and pace out wide,” said Doolin.

“For us we’ve got to try and do our thing right. Training has been very good, the players have taken on board what we’ve asked of them so we’ll be going into it in the right frame of mind.

“We’ll have to adapt to the conditions whatever happens. We’re hoping to start well. You’ve two teams coming out of the group but the first game is vital. We’ve qualified for five campaigns in a row so it would be good to continue that run.

“We are a good team. Friendlies are one thing but the competitive games are where the serious stuff starts and we’ll be looking to begin with a good performance and result.”

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U19 SQUAD:

Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool FC)

James Talbot (Sunderland AFC)

Dan Casey (Sunderland AFC)

Ethan Boyle (Waterford United FC)

Danny Kane (Huddersfield Town FC)

Robbie McCourt (West Bromwich Albion)

Stephen Best (Bohemians FC)

Shane Elworthy (Fulham FC)

Olamide Shodipo (Queens Park Rangers FC)

Connor Ronan (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC)

Graham Kelly (Sheffield United FC)

Ryan Sweeney (AFC Wimbledon)

Dylan Watts (UCD AFC)

George Poynton (Dundalk FC)

Colm Deasy (St Patrick’s Athletic FC)

Jason McClelland (UCD AFC)

Michael O’Connor (Dundalk FC)

Frankie Mulhern (Leeds United FC)

FIXTURES

Friday, November 13

Republic of Ireland v Slovenia, Eamon Deacy Park, Galway (4.00pm)

Sunday, November 15

Republic of Ireland v Latvia, Eamon Deacy Park, Galway (7.30pm)

Wednesday, November 18

Latvia v Slovenia, Eamon Deacy Park, Galway (3.30pm)