The Republic of Ireland will have to overcome Poland, Serbia and Montenegro to earn a place at the UEFA European U17s Championship finals in Azerbaijan after the draw for the Elite Round qualifiers was made in Nyon on Thursday.
Tom Mohan's side will travel to Poland for three qualifiers early next year as they look to book their place at the finals in Azerbaijan.
Ireland qualified for the Elite Round following impressive victories over Finland and Malta, as well as a draw with Sweden, which saw them top Group 3 in September.
Mohan is prepared for a stern examination of his side’s credentials. "It is never going to be easy going into the Elite Round as each team is there on merit and we know from past experiences that each of the teams are of a very high quality," he said.
"We knew going into the draw that we would be top seeds, but at the same time that doesn't make it any easier because all of the teams are very good. We can only focus on ourselves and prepare as best as we can.
"The boys did fantastically well in the qualifying round and we will look to strengthen again and hopefully have some more players back from injury."
The eight group winners and the seven runners-up with the best records against the teams first and third in their section will join hosts Azerbaijan in the finals in May 2016.
The draws for the UEFA U19 and U17 qualifying round games for the 2016/17 European Championships were also made, with Paul Doolin's U19s set to meet Germany, Albania and Gibraltar, while the U17s will play Greece, Andorra, and Kazakhstan.
2015/16 UEFA U17 European Championships
Elite Round - Group 5: Republic of Ireland, Poland*, Serbia, Montenegro
2016/17 UEFA U17 European Championships
Qualifying Round - Group 2: Republic of Ireland, Greece, Andorra*, Kazakhstan
2016/17 UEFA U19 European Championships
Qualifying Round - Group 4: Republic of Ireland, Germany, Albania*, Gibraltar
*Indicates nation who will host qualifiers
