The Republic of Ireland includes seven young players from English Premier League teams in their squad that compete against Portugal, Ukraine and Israel in the UEFA Under 19 Elite Phase Qualification Tournament.
The pick of the games is tomorrow (Saturday) evening when Ireland take on Portugal at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão, kick-off 6pm.
One player to watch is Arsenal keeper Sean McDermott who hopes to follow former Irish international Liam Brady, Niall Quinn, Frank Stapleton and David O’Leary, who all found success with Ireland through the Arsenal Youth Academy.
Aston Villa, Wolves, West Brom, QPR, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham also have players in the squad. The majority of the Portugal team, who are staying at the Colina Verde Golf & Sports Resort near Moncarapacho, are from FC Porto, Benfica and the world famous Sporting Lisbon youth academy.
Speaking about the tournament, Ireland’s head coach, Paul Doolin said: “This is a tough group and there will not be any easy matches but there is no reason why we can’t go there and give a good account of ourselves. Portugal in the first game is clearly a big match. If we get something out of that then it will give us the confidence for our remaining games”.
Admission to all games is free.
MAY 26
UKRAINE v. ISRAEL
4pm, Bela Vista Municipal Stadium, Parchal
PORTUGAL v. IRELAND
6pm, José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão
MAY 28
IRELAND v. UKRAINE
4pm, Bela Vista Municipal Stadium, Parchal
PORTUGAL v. ISRAEL
6pm, Nora Sports Park, Ferreiras
MAY 31
UKRAINE v. PORTUGAL
6pm, Algarve Stadium, Faro
ISRAEL v. IRELAND
6pm, Nora Sports Park, Ferreiras
