Corcoran in Republic panel for Spain
Drumbaragh teenager Jimmy Corcoran has been named in the Republic of Ireland u-17 team by Head Coach Colin O'Brien for next week's International Friendly double-header in Spain.
Corcoran was in the squad for a u-17 international tournament in Dublin last November against England, Czech Republic and Germany.
Next week O'Brien's side play Poland and Belgium in the space of three days in Marbella, as preparations continue for this May's UEFA u-17 European Championship which is held in Ireland.
Both Poland and Belgium are in preparation of the upcoming Elite Round qualifiers next month, and O'Brien feels both sides will provide tough opposition in Spain.
"The games will be very competitive. I've no doubt that both sides are aiming to be in Ireland in May. That's the calibre of opposition we are looking for. It gives us more preparation time with the players", O'Brien revealed.
Matches are at a premium ahead of the May tournament, and O'Brien admitted there is still opportunities for players to force their way into his Finals squad.
"We want to look at players throughout the season. There are some new players in the squad and they have a chance to show us what they can do. They are players unlucky not to make the squad and they are still in consideration for May."
Ireland travel to Spain this weekend, before the opening match on Wednesday, against Poland.
Republic of Ireland Squad
Jimmy Corcoran (Preston North End), Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City), Conor Carty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Thomas Considine (Bohemians), Matt Everitt (Brighton and Hove Albion), James Furlong (Shamrock Rovers), Anselmo Garcia MacNulty (Real Betis), Joshua Giurgi (Norwich City), Harry Halwax (Derby County), Joe Hodge (Manchester City), Brandon Holt (St. Patrick's Athletic), Roland Idowu (Southmapton), Sean Kennedy (Sunderland), Seamas Keogh (Southampton), Sean McEvoy (Ballinamallard Utd), Ronan McKinley (Derry City), Andrew Omibamidele (Norwich City), Toby Owens (Shamrock Rovers), Timi Sobowale (Manchester City), Luke Turner (Aberdeen)
FIXTURES
Wednesday 13th February - Poland v Republic of Ireland, Stadium Municipal Marbella, 2.30pm (3.30pm local time)
Friday 15th February - Republic of Ireland v Belgium, Dama de Noche Football Centre, 2.30pm (3.30pm local time)