U-19 tournament

[tetsujin1979]

Hasn't been a thread on this yet

The U-19's drew with the Dutch 1-1 on Friday - http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100292&catid=4&Itemid=12 - and beat the Turks 2-0 on saturday afternoon - http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100297&catid=4&Itemid=12 - Chelsea's Connor Clifford scored both goals.

The final game is tomorrow afternoon against Portugal at Tallaght stadium, and a win would secure the tournament for the Boys in Green

It's a strong side, Clifford, United's Robert Brady, and Sunderland's Conor Hourihane all in lining out together

It could have been even stronger, with Arsenal's Conor Henderson and Blackburn's Aaron Doran both having to pull out with injury

[gspain]

We looked good last night although I couldn't stay for all the game.

We should beat Portugal. Holland beat them 3-1 yesterday afternoon in Belfield and looked much the better side.

It is a good crop of players. I've seen them a few times and there are serious hopes that a few can make the breakthrough.

Ger Hanley is a fine keeper but needs to grow.

Richie Towell is a prospect.

Conor Clifford looks class.

Robbie Brady is good and a year younger than his team-mates.

Conor Hourihane also looks a good player.

Anybody know how strong the opposition are? Turkey, Portugal and Holland are normally 3 of the top sides at this level but have they sent full strength squads?

Judging from the Turkey line up last night and their squad list from the UEFA U17s last year there were only 3 or 4 survivors. The Dutch appear to have a few more.

[Bungle]

Went to see the Ireland Portugal game. Was really impressed with the set up out there. I've just come back from living in England where I used to go to see live matches every week and I would definitely go up to see Rovers play up there with them being near where I live.

Anyhow, in this game the Portuguese lads were much the better team and fully deserved their 1-0 win. Clifford looks a talent and indeed got man of the tournament. He went off at half time. Not sure if he got a knock. Brady came on at half-time and had a tendency to over-run the ball on occasions. However, he looks a real player. Both Brady and Clifford are a year younger than this group.

None of the rest of the lads really stood out in this game, but it was hard to concentrate as half the school kids in Tallaght were at this game:).

Going by the programme, alot of the Irish lads seem to be making progress at their clubs.