Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Edward McGinty has been named in the Irish U19 squad for two games against Romania in Spain next week.
Head coach Tom Mohan has selected a squad of 20 players including the Ballyshannon native, who signed his first professional deal with the Bit O’ Red last summer.
The two games will give Mohan the opportunity to fine-tune his preparations for next month’s UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite Round, where Ireland will take on Kosovo, Portugal and Slovakia for a place in the tournament proper.
Mohan is looking forward to the Romanian challenge. “It’s our last opportunity before the Elite Round to get a look at players.
“Obviously we are missing a number of players so that opens the door for other lads to come in and stake their claim for a place. Some of the guys have taken the opportunity they’ve been given in pre-season domestically and have done really well.”
Republic of Ireland U19 manager Tom Mohan. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile.
Coming off the back of a top place finish in the Qualifying Round, Mohan is keen to use the upcoming matches to keep that momentum going. “Any time you get a squad in you have to make the most of it. Romania topped their group in qualifying, they’ll be tough opponents and that is what you want.
“We want our players tested at the highest level before the Elite Round because it is a very competitive stage and that is exactly what these two games will give us,” he said.
Ireland’s opening game in Spain takes place on Tuesday.
Republic of Ireland Under-19 Squad
Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (St Patrick’s Athletic), Edward McGinty (Sligo Rovers), Rory Brown (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Defenders: Lee O’Connor (Manchester United), Dara O’Shea (Hereford United – on loan from West Bromwich Albion), James Finnerty (Aston Villa), Callum Cockerill-Mollett (Walsall), Canice Carroll (Oxford United), Callum Nicell (Leeds United), Daniel McKenna (Bray Wanderers – on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Midfielders: Rian O’Sullivan (Brighton & Hove Albion), Kian Flanagan (Crystal Palace), Cieran Dunne (Falkirk), Owen Wall (Wexford), Rowan Roache (Blackpool), Anthony Scully (West Ham United)
Forwards: Aidan Keena (Queens Park – on loan from Hearts), Matthew Shiels (Rangers), Luke Heeney (St Patrick’s Athletic), Aaron Dobbs (Wexford)
Fixtures
February 13: Republic of Ireland v Romania, La Manga, Spain, KO14:00
February 15: Republic of Ireland v Romania, La Manga, Spain, KO11:00
