Soccer
Osam Names Home-Based U18 Squad for Wales Games
By Pat Quigley / Paul Byrne
16, Feb 2015 - 17:47

Osam names home-based U18 squad for Wales games

THE Republic of Ireland U18 side with meet their Welsh counterparts in two fixtures in Wales later this month.

Head Coach Paul Osam has named a 22-man squad for the traditional annual encounters against a Wales team made up of players from their domestic league.

The sides will meet on Monday, February 23, at New Bridge Meadow Stadium, Haverfordwest (7.30pm) and again the following day at Genquip Stadium, Port Talbot (3.00pm).

"This squad was picked from the FAI inter-provincial tournament which takes place in October every year and it's a unique opportunity for the players to represent their country," explained Osam.

"It gives them a chance to show they can play at a higher level and to test themselves on the international stage.

"I'm hoping to gain experience myself as a coach from this experience. I'm honoured to be working with an international team and I hope the players and coaching staff all learn from the time we have with them.

"For some of the clubs who will be represented it'll be the first time they have a player capped at international level so it's a very proud moment for all concerned.

"The majority of the opposition players are with League of Wales clubs and involved at first team level so it'll be a tough challenge but it's something we're looking forward to."

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U18 HOME-BASED SQUAD:

David Coffey (College Corinthians)

Lee McCarron (Finn Harps)

Josh McMahon (Hardwicke FC)

Finian O'Laoi (Salthill Devon)

Eli-Kadi Harrington (Kilreen Celtic)

Jason McGee (Letterkenny Rovers)

Brian Foley (Malahide United)

Dean Casey (St Kevin's Boys)

Colin McPartlin (Stella Maris Drumcondra)

Antaine O'Laoi (Galway United)

Gareth Doherty (Letterkenny Rovers)

Daire O'Baoill (Letterkenny Rovers)

Adam Prendergast (Duncannon FC)

Paul McMahon (St Kevin's Boys)

Jason Hunt (Castlebar Celtic)

Adrian Delap (Letterkenny Rovers)

JJ Fitzpatrick (Malahide United)

Adam Horgan (College Corinthians)

Evan Deacy (Galway Hibs)

Darren Kavanagh (Parkvilla FC)

Shane Hulgraine (Salthill Devon)

Yousef Mahdy (Mervue United)

FIXTURES

Monday, February 23

U18 International Friendly

Wales v Republic of Ireland U18 Home-based, New Bridge Meadow Stadium, Haverfordwest (7.30pm)

Tuesday, February 24

U18 International Friendly

Wales v Republic of Ireland U18 Home-based, Genquip Stadium, Port Talbot (3.00pm)