James Finnerty set for Portugal trip

Skryne teenager James Finnerty has been included in the Republic of Ireland side for the for u-19 UEFA Elite Round qualifiers.

The team, managed by former North Eastern Counties Schoolboys' League representative player Tom Mohan, will play Slovakia, Kosovo and Portugal

Mohan has announced a 20-man squad for the vital UEFA European Championship Elite Round qualifiers in Portugal and Finnerty, a former students at St Patrick's CS, Navan and currently with Aston Villa is in the panel.

The team travels to Portugal next week to play in Group 5 against Slovakia, Kosovo and hosts, Portugal.

In the qualifying Ireland claimed seven points from a possible nine in Waterford with wins over Cyprus and Serbia and a draw against Azerbaijan.

Three of the stars from the qualifying will miss out through a mixture of injury and suspension.

Midfielder Jayson Molumby (knee) and forward Neil Farrugia (shoulder) are ruled out along with Shamrock Rovers ace Aaron Bolger, who will serve a three-match suspension.

Mohan feels the absence of the three players will be a blow, but that it also gives an opportunity to other players to impress.

“All three players are big losses, but the door opens for other players to come and take the opportunity. It’s a great chance for new players coming into the squad," he said.

Only the group winner will advance to the 2018 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Finland this summer.

PANEL

Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)

Defenders: Canice Carroll (Oxford United), Jordan Doherty (Sheffield United), James Finnerty (Aston Villa), Lee O’Connor (Manchester United), Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion - on loan at Hereford), Tyreke Wilson (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Kian Flanagan (Crystal Palace), Stephen Mallon (Sheffield United), Daniel McKenna (Wolverhampton Wanderers - on loan at Bray Wanderers), Callum Nicell (Leeds United), Thomas O’Connor (Southampton), Rian O’Sullivan (Brighton & Hove Albion), Rowan Roache (Blackpool)

Forwards: Jonathan Afolabi (Southampton), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Aaron Dobbs (Shamrock Rovers - on loan at Wexford), Michael Obafemi (Southampton)

UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite Round Group 5
FIXTURES (3PM)
Wednesday, 21st March - Slovakia v Republic of Ireland, Primeiro de Maio, Braga.
Saturday, 24th March -  Republic of Ireland v Kosovo, Estádio dos Arcos, Vila do Conde.
Tuesday, 27th March - Republic of Ireland v Portugal, Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, Barcelos, 5pm.