Republic of Ireland Under 17 manager Sean McCaffrey has named an 18-man squad for next month's four game tour of Japan. The side will play three matches in the Toyota International Youth Championship and one friendly in what promises to be a busy week.
"It will be a tough, physically and mentally demanding week for the players, not just because of the matches but because of the travelling. I think the players will learn a lot about what it takes to succeed in international football from the trip and they'll also experience different cultures and play against different types and styles of teams," said McCaffrey.
This is McCaffrey's first Under 17 squad of the season and he has picked players used by Under-15 and Under-16 manager Vincent Butler over the last two seasons.
He added: "I've been watching this side at Under 15 and Under 16 level over the last two years and they have developed so much under Vincent Butler and his coaching team. It is our job now to continue that development and hopefully get some good performances and results in Japan. At this stage, performances are more important than results."
Ireland kick-off the Toyota International Youth Championship tournament against Nagoya Grampus Eight & High Schools of Aichi-Prefecture and Toyota City Selection on Thursday August 5 before facing Korea two days later. Depending on where Ireland finish in the group, they will then face a play-off against Japan, the Netherlands or Mexico on Sunday August 8 to complete the tournament before a final friendly clash with Gifu High School Selection on Tuesday August 10.
Squad:
Henderson (Aston Villa), Boyle (Aston Villa), Madden (Leeds United), Nolan (Blackburn Rovers), Moloney (Killarney Athletic), Hoban (Ferrybank), McKeever (Cherry Orchard), Quigley (Stoke City), Connellan (St Francis Athlone), Bayly (Leeds United), Gleeson (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ryan (Liverpool), Garvan (Home Farm), Moore (St Kevin's Boys), Treacy (Blackburn Rovers), Judge (St Joseph's Boys), Purcell (Belvedere), Downes (Tolka Rovers).
Fixtures:
Thursday August 5 Republic of Ireland v Nagoya Grampus Eight & High Schools of Aichi-Prefecture and Toyota City Selection (Kick off 6:30 pm - 10:30 am Irish time).
Saturday August 7 Republic of Ireland v Korea (Kick off 6:30 pm - 10:30 am Irish time).
Sunday August 8 Republic of Ireland v Japan/Netherlands/Mexico (Kick off TBC).
Tuesday August 10 Gifu High School Selection v Republic of Ireland (Kick off 6:00 pm - 10:00 am Irish time).
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
