Under-19 Squad

[Olé Olé]

What is the theme here relative to the under 18 squad?

The guy Fionn Mooney is an interesting one. I think he's featured for England at 15, 16 and 17 level. With a name like Fionn you'd have to imagine the Irish times are very close. Closer than a Patrick or a Declan would be!

[SkStu]

What is the theme here relative to the under 18 squad?

The guy Fionn Mooney is an interesting one. I think he's featured for England at 15, 16 and 17 level. With a name like Fionn you'd have to imagine the Irish times are very close. Closer than a Patrick or a Declan would be!

Mooney is a belter of an Irish name too!

Up there with Clarke

[CraftyToePoke]

What is the theme here relative to the under 18 squad?

The guy Fionn Mooney is an interesting one. I think he's featured for England at 15, 16 and 17 level. With a name like Fionn you'd have to imagine the Irish times are very close. Closer than a Patrick or a Declan would be!

He's been pretty open about feeling more English than Irish. Yet here he is, well done recruitment wing ( I think )

[Eirambler]

There seems to have been a lot of 2002 born players called up - Furlong, McCann etc. Would these lads not be overage for the next set of Under 19 qualifiers, I thought it was for the 2022 competition which would mean players born 2003 and later?

Possibly just using it as an opportunity to keep some players who haven't made the Under 21 squad within the Ireland setup?

[Olé Olé]

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/republic-of-ireland-faces-battle-for-services-of-promising-teen-striker-rio-mcevoy-40471229.html

Came across this with regards to Rio McEvoy. You'd think, given the details, he wouldn't be going anywhere on Ireland.

[Olé Olé]

He's been pretty open about feeling more English than Irish. Yet here he is, well done recruitment wing ( I think )

https://onefootball.com/en/news/crystal-palace-prospect-fionn-mooney-favouring-england-over-ireland-31724489

Did a quick check. Interesting. Not sure if you could put it down the recruitment wing or a lack of opportunity with England?

I find it very interesting that he was named Fionn. Is that not a real challenge for English people? I would assume at least one of his parents was born in Ireland to name him that.

[Eirambler]

He'll have spent his life being called Fee-on. We steered clear of particularly Irish names for our kids for that reason, we didn't want then spending their lives correcting people's mispronunciations.

Good to see him involved anyway, I have noticed his name previously and figured he must surely qualify for us.

[Olé Olé]

Couldn't blame you. I had a particularly awkward few meetings with a Scot recently in work who clearly had avoided using my name because he couldn't tackle it. The pair of us then had a meeting with an Indian man who informed the Scot (my fellow Celt) how to pronounce my name. His familiarity gleaned through his love of cricket and knowing the name of "Eoin Morgan."

[elatedscum]

There seems to have been a lot of 2002 born players called up - Furlong, McCann etc. Would these lads not be overage for the next set of Under 19 qualifiers, I thought it was for the 2022 competition which would mean players born 2003 and later?

Possibly just using it as an opportunity to keep some players who haven't made the Under 21 squad within the Ireland setup?

Makes a lot of sense in that respect. The 2002 kids missed their U19 campaign and the last campaign they were involved in was May 2019 in the u17 euros. Given the 21s features players from 2000 onwards, they're at the bottom of the pile and might only get call-ups in 2023.

I've long argued for a u20s squad to play friendlies like most big European sides have. If you look at the kids from 2000 who are now members of the u21s, their last involvement for ireland was in summer 2019 in the Euros and the 2001 kids were last involved in November 2001 in the qualification for the u19s and it has nothing to do with Covid. The likes of Maher, Lyons, Brennan, Regba from 2000 haven't played at all and guys like Kayode and Ferry were just involved in the last squad, where we were already knocked out. Same with the 2001 kids: Smallbone and McGuinness were used in the final squad, Wright, Noss, Tierney, Cassidy, Watson, McEntee, Bowden, Coffey, Gilbert, Ogungbo, McEneff and Lewis - they all weren't involved.

In a normal year, all the kids from 2002 could have camps with say 2 friendlies per camp, which would would get you 10 games a year at u20. would really help with the following u21 campaign and would keep kids involved in a way, you can't when you've got 3-4 age groups competing for one squad.

Also unusual that there are 4 players involved in both training squads, not sure if that's because they stood out most (2 born in ireland and 2 born in england). I assume the reason that Ollie O'Neill and the likes were in squad 2 and Armstrong was in squad 1 was that clubs didn't allow them to attend outside an international window...

[Demesne Lad]

May 2012 - The U-19 squad.
IRELAND U-19 SQUAD
S McDermott (Arsenal)
N Burdon (Stade Rennais)
M Barker (Bohemians)
C Morrissey (Trieste, Italy)
N Byrne (Rochdale)
T Hoban (Watford)
S Kavanagh (Fulham)
B Garmston (West Brom)
S Carruthers (Aston Villa)
J O'Sullivan (Blackburn Rvs)
S Murray (Watford)
F Sutherland (QPR)
D Williams (Aston Villa)
M Drennan (Aston Villa)
A Forde (Wolves)
A O'Brien (Millwall)
G Smith (Southend)
A.N. Other
I would have expected at least a couple to be regulars in the senior squad now. I wonder how we compare to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Nordic countries in terms of bringing U-19s through? An important factor for talented youths of the 'diaspora', their families and agents.

[elatedscum]

Couldn't blame you. I had a particularly awkward few meetings with a Scot recently in work who clearly had avoided using my name because he couldn't tackle it. The pair of us then had a meeting with an Indian man who informed the Scot (my fellow Celt) how to pronounce my name. His familiarity gleaned through his love of cricket and knowing the name of "Eoin Morgan."

If ever there was a generational Irish talent, it's Eoin Morgan. Played against him in the school's senior cup final when i was in 4th year, eligible for Js. He was already playing with Middlesex and for Ireland's senior team. He scored 110 runs, the other 10 players on his team scored 9 runs combined. Can only describe it as being a 15 year old kid being asked to play against an 18 year old Cristiano Ronaldo...

[elatedscum]

Interesting group:
IRELAND U-19 SQUAD
S McDermott (Arsenal)
N Burdon (Stade Rennais)
M Barker (Bohemians)
C Morrissey (Trieste, Italy)
N Byrne (Rochdale)
T Hoban (Watford)
S Kavanagh (Fulham)
B Garmston (West Brom)
S Carruthers (Aston Villa)
J O'Sullivan (Blackburn Rvs)
S Murray (Watford)
F Sutherland (QPR)
D Williams (Aston Villa)
M Drennan (Aston Villa)
A Forde (Wolves)
A O'Brien (Millwall)
G Smith (Southend)
A.N. Other </b>

​I think McDermott is probably the 4th best keeper we've got or thereabouts. I'd have him ahead of Travers I think. Derrick Williams is probably the second best left-back we've got. O'Brien has a few caps for Ireland and a goal but he was playing in the championship at 20/21 and he's playing in League 1 at age 27.

There were some players who suffered a series of injuries: Tommy Hoban, Sean Kavanagh, Sean Murray. Hoban was playing regularly in the championship age 18-21 before a series of injuries. Same with Sean Kavanagh age 20-21 and Murray aged 19-21. Meanwhile, Drennan had ongoing issues with depression through his career. Caruthers was also stunningly talented. I remember his debut against Liverpool, where he wasn't awarded a penalty for a clear foul by Agger.


The class from 93 didn't really pan out but the 1992 group produced Matt Doherty, Shane Duffy, John Egan, Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick, Cyrus Christie, Daryl Horgan - which is a ridiculous group. Most of them were involved in the squad that got to the u19 euros semi final. Robbie Brady was excluded because Paul Doolin is a bit of a megalomaniac. ( https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/king-leaves-ball-in-bradys-court-over-ireland-return-26754227.html )

[CSAD]

According to many sources on Twitter Anselmo Garcia McNulty is wanted by Olympique Marseille.

[Eirambler]

That 1993 group was the first of about five years worth of players where very little came through the system and the best player that did ended up with another country. Those age groups are 24 to 28 years old now so the impact is really being felt on the senior team. If we didn't have the stronger 1998 - 2002 groups coming after them we'd be in even more trouble, at least the more recent groups provide some hope that we're turning things around.

[Eirambler]

Makes a lot of sense in that respect. The 2002 kids missed their U19 campaign and the last campaign they were involved in was May 2019 in the u17 euros. Given the 21s features players from 2000 onwards, they're at the bottom of the pile and might only get call-ups in 2023.

I've long argued for a u20s squad to play friendlies like most big European sides have. If you look at the kids from 2000 who are now members of the u21s, their last involvement for ireland was in summer 2019 in the Euros and the 2001 kids were last involved in November 2001 in the qualification for the u19s and it has nothing to do with Covid. The likes of Maher, Lyons, Brennan, Regba from 2000 haven't played at all and guys like Kayode and Ferry were just involved in the last squad, where we were already knocked out. Same with the 2001 kids: Smallbone and McGuinness were used in the final squad, Wright, Noss, Tierney, Cassidy, Watson, McEntee, Bowden, Coffey, Gilbert, Ogungbo, McEneff and Lewis - they all weren't involved.

In a normal year, all the kids from 2002 could have camps with say 2 friendlies per camp, which would would get you 10 games a year at u20. would really help with the following u21 campaign and would keep kids involved in a way, you can't when you've got 3-4 age groups competing for one squad.

Also unusual that there are 4 players involved in both training squads, not sure if that's because they stood out most (2 born in ireland and 2 born in england). I assume the reason that Ollie O'Neill and the likes were in squad 2 and Armstrong was in squad 1 was that clubs didn't allow them to attend outside an international window...

Definitely agree about the Under 20 squad. Possibly, in the past, we haven't had the quality to make it worthwhile, but looking at the 2002 players that aren't making the current Under 21 squad - Furlong, Okoflex, McCann etc. - there would definitely be a benefit to setting one up for friendly games. Would act as a natural feeder to the Under 21s as well, which is important given the rate at which we have been losing under 21 players to the senior squad.

[Charlie Darwin]

He'll have spent his life being called Fee-on. We steered clear of particularly Irish names for our kids for that reason, we didn't want then spending their lives correcting people's mispronunciations.

Good to see him involved anyway, I have noticed his name previously and figured he must surely qualify for us.
Unfortunately we're not much better over here. I love it when parents in Ireland name their kids Polish, Chinese, Igbo, etc names.

[Demesne Lad]

Young McJannet seems to have enjoyed the recent U-19 camp.

Hatters teenager McJannet hails 'phenomenal' experience with Ireland U19s | Luton Today (https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/hatters-teenager-mcjannet-hails-phenomenal-experience-with-ireland-u19s-3268368)

[ltfc_2004]

Thats really nice from a kid called up. Good positive experience can help keep guys in the camp. Is he any good is the real question ?

[Razors left peg]

Andrew Moran shared a goal on his Instagram page that looked like it might have been from the u19 game against UCD. Super goal, beat a few defenders before scoring. From everything Ive seen of him Id say he is probably our best underage prospect at the moment and he cant be too far from 1st team squad at Brighton

[Olé Olé]

Andrew Moran shared a goal on his Instagram page that looked like it might have been from the u19 game against UCD. Super goal, beat a few defenders before scoring. From everything Ive seen of him Id say he is probably our best underage prospect at the moment and he cant be too far from 1st team squad at Brighton

And he's a 10 isn't he? Like, an out and out central attacking midfielder?

[Razors left peg]

And he's a 10 isn't he? Like, an out and out central attacking midfielder?

Yeah he seems to be. He looks class

[CSAD]

Yeah he seems to be. He looks class

From looking at what Brighton fans say the comparison is between Phil Foden and Kevin de Bruyne so either way a play maker!

[Razors left peg]

From looking at what Brighton fans say the comparison is between Phil Foden and Kevin de Bruyne so either way a play maker!

Jesus, if we can get someone thats a third of those Id be happy

[Olé Olé]

https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/west-ham-set-to-sign-celtic-player-armstrong-okoflex-and-he-could-be-in-contention-for-the-first-team-claims-insider/

Armstrong Okoflex en route to West Ham?

[ColourfulPeanut]

He'd fit in well with the other Irish lad who'd rather be English.

[elatedscum]

He'd fit in well with the other Irish lad who'd rather be English.

Deccers?

[Razors left peg]

He'd fit in well with the other Irish lad who'd rather be English.
He made such a little impact at Celtic hes in no place to rather play for anyone internationally right now

[ColourfulPeanut]

Deccers?
Odubeko.

Okoflex was playing schoolboys for England a few years after moving there despite being born and raised in Dublin.

[tetsujin1979]

You play schoolboy football where you go to school, nationality has nothing to do with it. Ryan Giggs played for England schoolboys.

[Eirambler]

He played Under 16 and was was involved with their under 17s as well though, so was clearly interested in playing for England at one stage.

[ColourfulPeanut]

You play schoolboy football where you go to school, nationality has nothing to do with it. Ryan Giggs played for England schoolboys.
He played 5 times for their U16s and was involved with their U17s as well. The move to Glasgow then killed his chances of eligibility for them, unfortunately for him

[liamoo11]

He played 5 times for their U16s and was involved with their U17s as well. The move to Glasgow then killed his chances of eligibility for them, unfortunately for him

England do that regularly in their underage sides picking dual players who when it gets to actual competitive UEFA games at under 17 are often not even eligible or really interested

[ColourfulPeanut]

England do that regularly in their underage sides picking dual players who when it gets to actual competitive UEFA games at under 17 are often not even eligible or really interested
I'm sure they do. How many Irish born and bred lads take up that offer? I don't remember Robbie Keane togging out for a few games for England at 16 soon as he moved to Wolves. Don't see the need to defend him.

[tetsujin1979]

I'm sure they do. How many Irish born and bred lads take up that offer? I don't remember Robbie Keane togging out for a few games for England at 16 soon as he moved to Wolves. Don't see the need to defend him.
How many Irish players move over at that age?

[Olé Olé]

Johnny Kenny, just turned 18 a couple of weeks ago, scored a hat trick last night for Sligo Rovers v Bohs. Very impressive.

[CSAD]

it’ll be interesting to see how many of our 2003 group go to the UK now as they will soon be 18 if not already.

[tommy_c12000]

It would be great to see how Kenny does abroad, be it in UK or continental Europe. I would favor him finishing the season with Sligo through November, then moving on after a solid season behind him. Any clubs sniffing around? I have not read about any speculation…

[tetsujin1979]

First professional contract for Anselmo Garcia MacNulty at Wolfsburg: https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/news-detail/news-detail/detail/news/pro-contract-signed/

[ColourfulPeanut]

Has anyone seen much of Garcia MacNulty and knows what type of player he is?

All the signs are very exciting so far, just curious as to what he offers! Disappointed we didn't get a glimpse of him with the U21s.

[elatedscum]

He’s calm and silky and reads the game well. Comfortable under pressure, good first touch, put simply, he’s a footballer. Mistakes will happen as he moves up the levels given the position he’s in but he’s got the temperament to deal with it I think.

He’s comfortable in the air as you’d expect but he’s not McGuinness. Something that could well improve over time as he gets more comfortable with his body.

He’s not crazy quick but he’s not slow to the point you’d worry about it being a problem.

Met him and his mam once, seemed like lovely people

[tommy_c12000]

Started today in friendly for Wolfsburg. Played first half, didn’t realize he was left legged. Sharp passer, did ok, made some mistakes. He played first half and I believe he was taken off at HT. Nice to see him be involved preseason anyways

Full game here https://vfl.ink/qv4s7

[CSAD]

Bosun Lawal supposedly moving to Celtic (interest from Gorica in Croatia interestingly) our players never learn about avoiding Celtic like the plague.

[Eirambler]

Hopefully nothing in that, would prefer to see him go to Croatia to be honest.

Either way if the rumours of a transfer are true it suggests that he's not as highly rated at Watford as was originally made out.

[CSAD]

Hopefully nothing in that, would prefer to see him go to Croatia to be honest.

Either way if the rumours of a transfer are true it suggests that he's not as highly rated at Watford as was originally made out.

He was the captain of their u18 side and won academy player of the year, highly doubt they would be letting a player like that go especially with his attributes like height and versatility, he’s going to be an absolute monster when he gets older (easily 6’5 ft + I’d imagine).

I wouldn’t be surprised if Celtic see his potential and offer him first team opportunities and maybe that is what’s convinced him, despite what I’ve said the new coach they have in is a coach that likes promoting youth so it wouldn’t surprise me if this is the case as I can’t see Lawal seriously giving up a premiership academy to go to an academy that’s been a graveyard for Irish players without a good reason.

[samhaydenjr]

Has anyone seen much of Garcia MacNulty and knows what type of player he is?

All the signs are very exciting so far, just curious as to what he offers! Disappointed we didn't get a glimpse of him with the U21s.

He played alongside Omobamidele in the U17s finals a few years ago - saw a couple of the games online and I thought he was actually better than Omobamidele... and I'm not saying that Omobamidele was in any way poor in those games. So given how Omobamidele's career path is going, I'm feeling positive about Garcia McNulty's prospects

[CSAD]

He played alongside Omobamidele in the U17s finals a few years ago - saw a couple of the games online and I thought he was actually better than Omobamidele... and I'm not saying that Omobamidele was in any way poor in those games. So given how Omobamidele's career path is going, I'm feeling positive about Garcia McNulty's prospects

I believe Garcia played as a LB in that team also as the CB combo was Sobowale and Omobamidele.

Yeah I’m not sure who I rate higher but Garcia McNulty does look a real gem from what I’ve seen of him.

[elatedscum]

I believe Garcia played as a LB in that team also as the CB combo was Sobowale and Omobamidele.

Yeah I’m not sure who I rate higher but Garcia McNulty does look a real gem from what I’ve seen of him.

Jay Furlong was at left back and was excellent. Sobawele injured his quad and came off during the first game, resulting in McNulty playing. He then played the second match, before Sobawele returned from injury for the third group game.

[Olé Olé]

https://twitter.com/FTFpodIRE/status/1414662748823244806?s=19

Bosun Lawal signing tomorrow for Celtic according to these guys. Maybe it's a great move with the new manager in situ... That is being optimistic.

[CSAD]

https://twitter.com/FTFpodIRE/status/1414662748823244806?s=19

Bosun Lawal signing tomorrow for Celtic according to these guys. Maybe it's a great move with the new manager in situ... That is being optimistic.

I’d question who on earth is advising these kids, how many potential Irish careers do Celtic need to destroy before these players get in their heads to avoid Celtic like the plague?

They destroyed Afolabi, seemed a decent prospect before he went there, they are in the process of destroy Lee O’Connor and who knows what they will do to Luca Connell next.

My only hope is maybe they see his potential and will sign him as a first team player.

[Eirambler]

The only possible defence of Celtic I could offer here is that they probably didn't destroy Afolabi - he was never as good as he was made out to be, he just had a big physical advantage at underage level that didn't exist at senior level. Southampton saw that and released him.

Other than that though, yes they've been a disaster for Irish players. Even someone like Barry Coffey - he was highly rated leaving Ireland, a few years at Celtic left him in a place where he didn't exactly tear up any trees at Cliftonville. Maybe that was always his level but we'll never know how good he might have been had he gone to a club with a better youth setup.

Their handling of Connell has been particularly dreadful - left him sitting there for 18 months and then sent him to the Scottish fourth division. Incredible mismanagement of the player's development.

I know next to nothing about Lawal but he mustn't have felt he was anywhere near to getting a shot at Watford if he has left just as they've been promoted. Only hope for him now if that he might be already ready for the first team (unlikely, I know). If he needs further development of his game through coaching and suitable reserve football he won't get that at Celtic.