Sligo youngster Seamus Keogh has been named in the Republic of Ireland U16 squad for two forthcoming internationals against Romania.
The Sligo Rovers midfielder, who hails from Grange, is part of the 18-player squad named by manager Paul Osam for the games in Bucharest next week.
The sides will clash on Tuesday and again on Thursday.
“These are the first internationals for this age group this season so it’s our first time to work with them around a match situation,” said Osam.
“I obviously saw these players at Under 15 international level with Jason Donohue last year and there are a few new players at this level.
“It gives me an opportunity to see these players play and see how they gel with the group.
“Like any Eastern European nation, Romania will be a different challenge for our players. These games are all part of their education and we want them to be able to cope with different styles.
“But we have to concentrate on what we do in terms of our style of play and principles.”
Osam has looked at a number of players throughout the summer and had a successful training camp last month.
“We’ve had two assessment games against SSE Airtricity League opposition and a three-day camp with this squad for two days at Johnstown House in August working on the principles of play followed by a friendly game against SSE Airtricity League level opposition,” said Osam.
“The Victory Shield is in Northern Ireland in October so this group going to Romania will be in a position to make that squad while others who may not be involved this time for one reason or another will also come into consideration.”
Republic of Ireland U16 Squad
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazuna (Shamrock Rovers), Jimmy Corcoran (Cherry Orchard)
Defenders: Alex Dunne (Shamrock Rovers), Cian Kelly (St Joseph’s/Bray Wanderers), Timmy Sobowale (Villa FC), Conor Power (St Patrick’s Athletic), Tega Agberhiere (Waterford), James Furlong (St Joseph’s/Bray Wanderers)
Midfielders: Brandon Holt (St Patrick’s Athletic), Joe Hodge (Manchester City), Ronan McKinley (Derry City), Seamus Keogh (Sligo Rovers), Matt Healy (College Corinthians), Kian Leavy (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Forwards: Festy Obsele (St Joseph’s/Bray Wanderers), Conor Carty (St Francis), Matt Everitt (Brighton & Hove Albion), Patrick Moore (St Kevin’s Boys)
Fixtures
U16 International Friendly
Tuesday, September 19
Romania v Republic of Ireland, National Training Centre, Buftea, Bucharest (15:00 Irish Time)
Thursday, September 21
Romania v Republic of Ireland, National Training Centre, Buftea, Bucharest (9:00 Irish Time)
