2019 UEFA European Under 19 Championship

[tetsujin1979]

Going by his Instagram, Okoflex is in Austria with Celtic for preseason training

[elatedscum]

So, based on the training camp list the following eligible players are currently not with the squad:

Gavin Bazunu
Lee O'Connor
Nathan Collins
James Furlong
Conor Coventry
Nathan Carlyle
Jason Knight
Aaron Connolly
Glen McAuley
Michael Obafemi
Adam Idah
Troy Parrott

As well as Ryan Johannson who is underage but ineligible and Armstrong Okoflex who presumably remains uninterested.

Along with

Kian Clarke
Jordan Doherty
James Clarke
Barry Coffey
William Hondermarck (eligible yet?)
Conor Tee
Joshua Kayode
Jordan McEneff
Lido Lotefa (eligible yet?)
Gavin Kilkenny
Shane Flynn

[liamoo11]

Along with

Kian Clarke
Jordan Doherty
James Clarke
Barry Coffey
William Hondermarck (eligible yet?)
Conor Tee
Joshua Kayode
Jordan McEneff
Lido Lotefa (eligible yet?)
Gavin Kilkenny
Shane Flynn

Its probably quite a sensible approach to young player welfare in fairness only having lads involved in one summer tournament. Disappointed for McCauley it seems in the 2 years since he pulled out of the 17s squad for the finals his career has really stalled

[Olé Olé]

Irish teenage starlet will prioritise regular football over 'big' club allure https://the42.ie/4697485

Really like this lad. Going to Celtic would at least see him go into the first team early. Pity Rodgers wasn't still there.

[tetsujin1979]

Good interview, seems to have enjoyed his time with the seniors. He wasn't part of the squad for the qualifying round, but was given a chance with the U18s and earned a spot in the squad for the Elite round in Russia.
The little bit about Robbie Keane in training is on my mind a little. Used to hear similar things about Hoddle, that he was involved in training and had to be the best at it.

[Olé Olé]

Hard to know from the interview if it was just banter. Or if Keane was actively asserting himself over the group. Hardly good for the morale of the strikers in his shadow. Weren't there murmurs about Roy Keane being 'the best player in training' at Sunderland or Ipswich?

[Olé Olé]

Former St Pat's defender signs first pro contract with Birmingham City https://the42.ie/4697399

Hadnt even heard of this lad either. Some pool of players.

[Kingdom]

Good interview, seems to have enjoyed his time with the seniors. He wasn't part of the squad for the qualifying round, but was given a chance with the U18s and earned a spot in the squad for the Elite round in Russia.
The little bit about Robbie Keane in training is on my mind a little. Used to hear similar things about Hoddle, that he was involved in training and had to be the best at it.

Really don't want to deflect away from a guy who I've commented on positively hear before - last year - but on a tangent that you yourself raise, I thought Robbie was too involved in the warm-up in copenhagen, and not for the better. The warm-up was sloppy, and at times during basic drills (the shooting drill particularly) it was laughable for senior professionals. I dunno if it was Curtis, I think it was, but 4 times in a row he played the ball to Robbie for a knock-back for a shot, and for whatever reason, 4 times he wasn't given a pass back to get a shot off.

It was farcical.

[Olé Olé]

'My ma wants me to play for Nigeria... But I've been playing with Ireland for a long time' https://the42.ie/4698504

[Olé Olé]

Aside from the dual nationality discussion, he highlights he was released by Southampton. I thought the view was that he rejected a contract. Interesting.

[tetsujin1979]

Aside from the dual nationality discussion, he highlights he was released by Southampton. I thought the view was that he rejected a contract. Interesting.
That was what I had read, I'll try to dig it out

found the article: https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-southampton-forward-set-to-quit-after-rejecting-new-contract/

Southampton striker Jonathan Afolabi has rejected a new deal at the club and is set to leave on a free transfer, Football Insider understands.
It's football insider, so maybe take it with a pinch of salt.

[elatedscum]

Its probably quite a sensible approach to young player welfare in fairness only having lads involved in one summer tournament. Disappointed for McCauley it seems in the 2 years since he pulled out of the 17s squad for the finals his career has really stalled

Is that in respect to the u17 lads or the u21 lads or across the board? To be honest, lads playing u23 football genuinely play duck all games throughout the year and their season finishes super early. PL2 has a 22 game season and there tends to be more squad rotation amongst those clubs than you get at senior level to try ensure there aren't young players who never play. Depends what the realistic expectations are for them next season but I don't think there was anyone available to the 19s who was overworked in 18/19.

I would have thought that McAuley had a falling out with Mohan, just because if you remove Idah, Connolly, Obafemi and Parrott from the mix - it's hard to think that McAuley isn't somewhere around the 30 man shortlist. He's obviously stalled somewhat but at the same time, he wasn't bad for Liverpool's reserves. His linkup play is pretty good, his runs off the ball have improved, he's not slow, he has decent feet and he's a natural goalscorer. It genuinely wouldn't be the worst move for himself or Afolabi to sign a short-term deal with Rovers if they offered and see how they cut it at that level

[liamoo11]

Totally with u on McCauley he would be a very good addition to rovers I think . Only having lads play one summer tournament in this case toulon or the 19s just meant lads could have a decent period off although I suppose by the time the 19s play the lads not involved will be playing pre season games so my argument does not hold up

[Eirambler]

I wonder if Connell signing for Celtic means he's another that will be pulled out of the Under 19s. Their Champions League qualifiers will clash with the finals.

[liamoo11]

I wonder if Connell signing for Celtic means he's another that will be pulled out of the Under 19s. Their Champions League qualifiers will clash with the finals.

Would be best give him a chance to establish himself around that first team squad. Interesting to think that Coffey was first choice in midfield in the 17s euros just over a year ago and Connell had to make do with covering left back . Hard to imagine Coffey is going to be involved much outside of early preseason with Celtic this season

[Olé Olé]

Any time I've seen Coffey I haven't been filled with confidence. I think he can definitely develop though and it's great that he's getting first team exposure. Connell and Knight look far more natural in there. But Lennon carved out a career and developed his skillset and Coffey can do the same.

[Eirambler]

Will Coffey make the under 19 squad even with all the dropouts? He seems to have fallen away a bit, or is he injured?

[liamoo11]

Will Coffey make the under 19 squad even with all the dropouts? He seems to have fallen away a bit, or is he injured?
He played for Celtic a few days ago in Austria on their preseason tour while all the Celtic internationals are away. The season coming up is his under 19 year.

[liamoo11]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/east-kilbride-sign-former-hibs-17374723.amp rauri paton leaves hibernian

[Diggs246]

Adam Idah signs extention and is drafted into the senior squad

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2019/0704/1060138-idah-joins-norwich-senior-squad-and-signs-new-deal/

[IsMiseSean]

Adam Idah signs extention and is drafted into the senior squad

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2019/0704/1060138-idah-joins-norwich-senior-squad-and-signs-new-deal/

Shouldn't be long before Nigeria start sniffing around now.

I do think he is fully committed to us though and there is no fear of him switching.

[liamoo11]

Adam Idah signs extention and is drafted into the senior squad

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2019/0704/1060138-idah-joins-norwich-senior-squad-and-signs-new-deal/

Great for him. Lads were awful harsh on his toulon performance s

[tommy_c12000]

Great for him. Lads were awful harsh on his toulon performance s
I hope I’m proved wrong. He was very subpar in Toulon (First touch, hold up play, dribbling all underwhelming) there’s no doubt about it, but hopefully he will improve in the coming months. Yes he’s young, but he’s a year older than Troy Parrott who looks streets ahead of him

[elatedscum]

Shouldn't be long before Nigeria start sniffing around now.

allnigeriasoccer.com led with this headline: Premier League New Boys Norwich City Extend Contract Of Nigerian

I admire their optimism ;)

[Olé Olé]

18 with improvement points but still effective. Christ. We have a lot to look forward to.

[elatedscum]

Has anyone seen Wilson Waweru play? My 9 and 5 year old nieces informed me he’s quite the player. Which y’know is probably as reliable a scouting report as you’re gonna get

[elatedscum]

Found this:

https://www.facebook.com/GalwayUnitedFC/videos/966545163690070?sfns=1

He’s the fella with the blue boots ; )

[IsMiseSean]

Has anyone seen Wilson Waweru play? My 9 and 5 year old nieces informed me he’s quite the player. Which y’know is probably as reliable a scouting report as you’re gonna get

Yes. I'd be surprised if he was ever involved in our underage sides or senior team.

[tetsujin1979]

Reghba to Leicester confirmed: https://www.lcfc.com/news/1260931/leicester-city-sign-trio-of-youth-internationals/press-release

[elatedscum]

Yes he’s young, but he’s a year older than Troy Parrott who looks streets ahead of him


That's like comparing Robbie Keane with Niall Quinn. Their development paths to becoming the best player they can be are entirely different. Honestly I think that's not the worst comparison for those 2 guys


Even for more similar players, development is messy. Take Anto Stokes (88) and Shane Long (87). Anto Stokes was the far more highly thought of player all through the teenage years and the consensus was that Anto mightn’t quite have the pace to be top 4 striker but he would at the very least be Premier League regular and had a chance to be the best talent to emerge from Ireland since the golden generation.


Whereas, I knew someone at Cork City who was very sceptical that Shane Long would make it and I knew two people who trained and played with him at some point on the journey (representative sides, schoolboy internationals, regional elite development squads) - and both independently said that he was that apart from his pace, he was a long long way off everyone else.


I know that he played hurling and badminton to a pretty high level (weirdly, David McMillan was also a Irish youth badminton international, just born a year later), so it’s hard to know to what extent that delayed his development through his teenage years.


Anto meanwhile was ill equipped to deal with money that came his way. Arsenal tried their best, by offering his father a job at the club and moving the family across but ultimately, he was probably a guy who would have been better staying in Ireland till 19 or 20 or 21.


Anyway, the more you know the less you know. Prospects will break your heart

[Eirambler]

Sadly I think trouble was going to find Stokes regardless of what country he was in. Nothing north of the eyeballs at all unfortunately.

[liamoo11]

Stokes was 18 when he had that first massive season in Scotland real shame how it worked out. Him and bendtner were team mates in the arsenal 18s the surprise might be that bendtner was the one who did time. Both headcases

[Eirambler]

Aaron Bolger called up to the Cardiff City senior squad. Started their pre season friendly tonight and apparently going to the USA next week with the first team on their pre-season tour.

So that's him potentially out of the Euros as well.

[Closed Account]

Great problem to have. Still a problem mind.

[Eirambler]

We must be due to announce the finals squad soon, it starts next weekend. Likely to see a few of the Under 17s going at this stage with so many call offs. I wonder if the other seven finalists are having the same problem. You couldn't hold the tournament at a worse time in the year really.

[tetsujin1979]

Oisin McAntee interviewed on the42: https://www.the42.ie/oisin-mcentee-interview-4712640-Jul2019/

[elatedscum]

We must be due to announce the finals squad soon, it starts next weekend. Likely to see a few of the Under 17s going at this stage with so many call offs. I wonder if the other seven finalists are having the same problem. You couldn't hold the tournament at a worse time in the year really.

Met Afolabi today, said they're flying out on Tuesday and he's gonna be on the plane, which you would have expected. Also said he has a club 90% lined up but is holding out to see what the tournament brings. You'd imagine they'll probably announce the squad on Tuesday in any case. No one can pull out once they're on the flight, right?

[tetsujin1979]

You'd doubt it, but they might be allowed to leave for a medical if a move comes up

[tetsujin1979]

Game to be broadcast on RTE
1147886740301967360

[Eirambler]

Will Smallbone the latest to be pulled out of the Under 19s by his club - involved with Southampton for pre season.

[tetsujin1979]

Andy Lyons, Brian Maher and Oisin McAntee interviewed on Off The Ball in their preview of the tournament
PONW5Wf45u8

[liamoo11]

Will Smallbone the latest to be pulled out of the Under 19s by his club - involved with Southampton for pre season.

Disappointing to not see Thomas o connor or o driscoll in their squad

[samhaydenjr]

Adam Idah signs extention and is drafted into the senior squad

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2019/0704/1060138-idah-joins-norwich-senior-squad-and-signs-new-deal/

RTE left out a pertinent deal about the extension - it's a four-year deal! So clearly Norwich have serious plans for him - it's now just a matter of him proving them right

[Eirambler]

This obviously isn't Tom Mohan's fault but it's some mess that a day before the team fly to Armenia he still can't confirm his final squad.

Luca Connell confirmed out now, still trying to negotiate the release of O'Connor, Knight and Parrott.

The final squad won't be announced until Thursday.

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/mohan-hopeful-parrott-can-take-flight-with-u19s-38294483.html

If the home based players are flying out today are we in a situation where three of them might have to fly home again if the three players are released? Alternatively (probably more likely) up to three extra players may have to fly out late to join the squad once he finds out who can be released.

[elatedscum]

Mattie Everett posted on Instagram that he’s going. He did very well for the 17s but the fact he’s going is expressive of how far down the list we’re having to go.

I know some are injured/unavailable/undecided but right now in terms of attacking players, these might all be ahead:

Obafemi
Parrott
Connolly
Okoflex
Idah
Afolabi
Reghba
Ferry
McAuley
Cassidy
Kavanagh
Ebosele
Wright
McEneff
Kayode
Flynn
Lotefa

[liamoo11]

Mattie Everett posted on Instagram that he’s going. He did very well for the 17s but the fact he’s going is expressive of how far down the list we’re having to go.

I know some are injured/unavailable/undecided but right now in terms of attacking players, these might all be ahead:

Obafemi
Parrott
Connolly
Okoflex
Idah
Afolabi
Reghba
Ferry
McAuley
Cassidy
Kavanagh
Ebosele
Wright
McEneff
Kayode
Flynn
Lotefa

Yeah in fairness I thought everitt even seemed physically light at 17 level. Mceneff and Flynn are injured. Kayode is with rotherham s first team and scored at weekend. Will rovers block kavanagh from going?

[elatedscum]

And you'd imagine if he was realistically in contention a few weeks ago, he would have been included in the 30 man training squad... Probably could also have included Tommie Caffrey as well in the list above.

Obafemi - with first team
Parrott - possible
Connolly - with first team
Okoflex - with first team / possibly undecided
Idah - with first team
Afolabi - IN
Reghba - ?
Ferry - presumably IN
McAuley ?
Cassidy ?
Kavanagh ?
Ebosele ?
Wright ?
McEneff - injured
Kayode - first team
Flynn - injured
Lotefa - passport issue

You could almost look at the original strength in centre midfield and ask the same questions...

Connell - with first team
Coventry - ?
Bolger - ?
Smallbone - with first team
Knight - TBC

A genuine shame that you might only have 2-3 of the best 11 starting for them

[liamoo11]

And you'd imagine if he was realistically in contention a few weeks ago, he would have been included in the 30 man training squad... Probably could also have included Tommie Caffrey as well in the list above.

Obafemi - with first team
Parrott - possible
Connolly - with first team
Okoflex - with first team / possibly undecided
Idah - with first team
Afolabi - IN
Reghba - ?
Ferry - presumably IN
McAuley ?
Cassidy ?
Kavanagh ?
Ebosele ?
Wright ?
McEneff - injured
Kayode - first team
Flynn - injured
Lotefa - passport issue

You could almost look at the original strength in centre midfield and ask the same questions...

Connell - with first team
Coventry - ?
Bolger - ?
Smallbone - with first team
Knight - TBC

A genuine shame that you might only have 2-3 of the best 11 starting for them

You would imagine McCauley is on trial somewhere. Where did caffrey end up after he left Celtic?

[Olé Olé]

Is Caffrey not still with Celtic?

[liamoo11]

Is Caffrey not still with Celtic?

Think he was realeased this summer