Under-18 Squad

[Olé Olé]

Cork born and bred. Nigerian father and Irish mother. Maternal grandfather was a huge influence on his football career: https://www.google.ie/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiV6a_fnuHeAhXJI8AKHbp_D_IQzPwBegQIARAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishexaminer.com%2Fsport%2F soccer%2Firish-youngster-adam-idah-inspired-by-memory-of-granddad-kevin-470520.html&psig=AOvVaw0WB_NI0rntFqzbmoAdHheP&ust=1542743826592197

[IsMiseSean]

Cork born and bred. Nigerian father and Irish mother. Maternal grandfather was a huge influence on his football career: https://www.google.ie/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiV6a_fnuHeAhXJI8AKHbp_D_IQzPwBegQIARAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishexaminer.com%2Fsport%2F soccer%2Firish-youngster-adam-idah-inspired-by-memory-of-granddad-kevin-470520.html&psig=AOvVaw0WB_NI0rntFqzbmoAdHheP&ust=1542743826592197

It definitely sounds promising - but the doubt will linger...

[samhaydenjr]

I hate to ask - but is Adam Idah eligible to play for anyone else?

Please say no....


Nigeria but he's Cork born and bred. There's no chance of him defecting.

I think there's a special FIFA rule if you're born in Cork - You. Can. Not. Change. Allegiance. Boy.

Great stuff from Idah - moves up to U19s and scores two in qualifying, goes back to the U18s and bags another couple

[DeLorean]

I think there's a special FIFA rule if you're born in Cork - You. Can. Not. Change. Allegiance. Boy.

You can only read that in a Cork accent ;)

[Olé Olé]

It's just clicked with me from looking at his Twitter feed that Idah has scored in Irish wins in the past 6 weeks over the Netherlands at both under 18 and under 19 level.

A fantastic personal achievement for Idah. But a fantastic achievement for Ireland too. Exciting.

[Stuttgart88]

Liamoo, do you know anything about a kid called John Ryan? In today's U15 team that beat Poland 1-0 away today. A good friend knows his family well and wants to know if he's well thought of in knowledgable circles.

[mark12345]

It definitely sounds promising - but the doubt will linger...

News just in. He's pledged his allegiance to Lingeria

[Closed Account]

https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-u18-reid-selects-first-squad-for-turkey-friendlies

Ireland U18: Reid selects first squad for Turkey friendlies
Republic of Ireland Under-18 Head Coach Andy Reid has named his first squad ahead of an International Friendly double-header away to Turkey.




16th Mar 2019

Reid's side travel to Turkey on Monday afternoon, with the former Republic of Ireland midfielder picking 18 players in his first international squad.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Istanbul, Reid said he is looking forward to working with the players in his new role.
"I'm delighted with the squad we have been able to assemble. There's a good mix of players in the group, and there is plenty for us to work on ahead of what will be two tough games in Turkey," said Reid.
Reid hopes some of his players will be able to force their way into future Under-19 squads and he expects positive performances from the players.
"I'll be in close contact with [Under-19 Head Coach] Tom Mohan throughout the trip. It's an opportunity for the players to catch my eye. I'd love to be able to be in a position to recommend players that would be beneficial to Tom's squad," Reid concluded.
Ireland's Under-18s play their first match against Turkey on Thursday morning.
Republic of Ireland Under-18 Squad
Goalkeepers: Sean Bohan (Bohemians), Bobby Jones (Wigan Athletic)
Defenders: Eiran Cashin (Derby County), Jaden Charles (Derby County), Shadrach Ogie (Leyton Orient), Andrew Spain (Shamrock Rovers), Max Murphy (Stoke City), Ray O'Sullivan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Reece Staunton (Bradford City)
Midfielders: Sean Brennan (Longford Town), Barry Coffey (Celtic), Donal Higgins (Galway United), Adam O'Reilly (Preston North End), Callum Thompson (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ross Tierney (Bohemians), Louie Watson (West Ham United)
Forwards: Ryan Cassidy (Watford), George Nunn (Chelsea)
Republic of Ireland Fixtures
March 21: Turkey v Republic of Ireland, Istanbul, 13:00 (10:00 Irish time)
March 23: Turkey v Republic of Ireland, Istanbul, 13:00 (10:00 Irish time)

[tetsujin1979]

So Cassidy and o'Reilly are not in the under 19 squad ?

[liamoo11]

https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-u18-reid-selects-first-squad-for-turkey-friendlies

Ireland U18: Reid selects first squad for Turkey friendlies
Republic of Ireland Under-18 Head Coach Andy Reid has named his first squad ahead of an International Friendly double-header away to Turkey.




16th Mar 2019

Reid's side travel to Turkey on Monday afternoon, with the former Republic of Ireland midfielder picking 18 players in his first international squad.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Istanbul, Reid said he is looking forward to working with the players in his new role.
"I'm delighted with the squad we have been able to assemble. There's a good mix of players in the group, and there is plenty for us to work on ahead of what will be two tough games in Turkey," said Reid.
Reid hopes some of his players will be able to force their way into future Under-19 squads and he expects positive performances from the players.
"I'll be in close contact with [Under-19 Head Coach] Tom Mohan throughout the trip. It's an opportunity for the players to catch my eye. I'd love to be able to be in a position to recommend players that would be beneficial to Tom's squad," Reid concluded.
Ireland's Under-18s play their first match against Turkey on Thursday morning.
Republic of Ireland Under-18 Squad
Goalkeepers: Sean Bohan (Bohemians), Bobby Jones (Wigan Athletic)
Defenders: Eiran Cashin (Derby County), Jaden Charles (Derby County), Shadrach Ogie (Leyton Orient), Andrew Spain (Shamrock Rovers), Max Murphy (Stoke City), Ray O'Sullivan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Reece Staunton (Bradford City)
Midfielders: Sean Brennan (Longford Town), Barry Coffey (Celtic), Donal Higgins (Galway United), Adam O'Reilly (Preston North End), Callum Thompson (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ross Tierney (Bohemians), Louie Watson (West Ham United)
Forwards: Ryan Cassidy (Watford), George Nunn (Chelsea)
Republic of Ireland Fixtures
March 21: Turkey v Republic of Ireland, Istanbul, 13:00 (10:00 Irish time)
March 23: Turkey v Republic of Ireland, Istanbul, 13:00 (10:00 Irish time)

Very interesting squad. Lots of new names. Again the souting in UK to be commended.i didn't realise Sean brennan had come home from Southampton. Looked classy footballer

[IsMiseSean]

Donal Higgins is a tidy little player - great to see him involved.

[Charlie Darwin]

Very interesting squad. Lots of new names. Again the souting in UK to be commended.i didn't realise Sean brennan had come home from Southampton. Looked classy footballer
Brennan is on loan at Longford, he's still with Southampton. He seems to be highly-rated at Southampton for his age so assume the loan is about getting games rather than helping him find a new club.

[tetsujin1979]

Game kicked off at 10am, 3-0 down at half time
Starting line up
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[Olé Olé]

I hate this paranoia but that side has 4 lads born outside of Ireland starting (Cashing, Staunton, Watson and Nunn). That's a high tally given recent events and given that Watson has recently played with England.

[tetsujin1979]

U18 friendly this evening against Hungary to be streamed on YouTube
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[tetsujin1979]

game here
MGHPdm6r2bY

[liamoo11]

game here
MGHPdm6r2bY
Thanks Tets for the link. Ireland playing decently few great chances for Whitmarsh and then a liovely finish from kelly who has played well. Coleman has looked a good player but whitmarsh and Kelly have looked the pick of the bunch for me so far

[Olé Olé]

That Kelly-Caprani has a lot about him. Not just in attack, he's also ravenous in defence. I like Coleman too. I hope he's with us to stay.

[elatedscum]

Caprani was our best player I think. McJannett and Coleman both nice and tidy.

Of the LOI lads, the centre halves were good, hopefully the Gresham injury wasn’t bad. Afaik, Heffernan and Whitmarsh are both a year young for the age group and both held their own at this level, which is a good sign.

[tetsujin1979]

Second friendly kicking off against Hungary at 10, details below
1428250378181779462

[tetsujin1979]

finished 2-2, goals here
Watched the second half, Mason in goals looks huge!
1428680715126726659

[liamoo11]

finished 2-2, goals here
Watched the second half, Mason in goals looks huge!
1428680715126726659

Didn't seem great with his feet I thought. The Pearce kid played well as the lone front man seemed to have more about him than mcevoy had in that position the previous day. Are there any galway utd fans around to give a bit of info on murohy who played left back and looked like a nice footballer big lad maybe really a centre half? Kelly capriani has had alot of injuries I think in his time at Derby but he looks a fine technical player

[tetsujin1979]

Billy Brooks, who played in both friendlies against Hungary, made his senior club debut for Lincoln tonight against Manchester United U21s
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[tetsujin1979]

josh Clarke, who was in the U18 squad against Hungary, has been called into the Northern Ireland U19 squad for two friendlies in September against the Faroes: https://www.irishfa.com/news/2021/august/u19s-boss-lyttle-names-squad-for-friendlies-against-faroes

That article mentions that Bolton's Rio McEvoy misses out due to injury having been part of a training camp in June - McEvoy was also in the U18 squad in Hungary, and was named in squad for the U19 training camp: https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/u19-mohan-hosts-u19-training-camp-in-uk

Forwards: Sinclair Armstrong (QPR), Billy Brooks (Lincoln City), Zak Gilsenan (Blackburn Rovers), Cian Kavanagh (Waterford), Jonny Kenny (Sligo Rovers), Rio McEvoy (Bolton Wanderers), Jamie Mullins (Bohemians), Tommi O’Reilly (Aston Villa).

[Olé Olé]

josh Clarke, who was in the U18 squad against Hungary, has been called into the Northern Ireland U19 squad for two friendlies in September against the Faroes: https://www.irishfa.com/news/2021/august/u19s-boss-lyttle-names-squad-for-friendlies-against-faroes

That article mentions that Bolton's Rio McEvoy misses out due to injury having been part of a training camp in June - McEvoy was also in the U18 squad in Hungary, and was named in squad for the U19 training camp: https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/u19-mohan-hosts-u19-training-camp-in-uk

Some interesting names in that squad for the under 19 training camp.

Josh O'Brien of Watford is an Irish-German-American. He was born in Dublin to an Irish father and German mother before moving to America at 10 weeks of age. He has stated that “My dream is to play for Ireland, but if I did get a call from the United States, I’d take it.”

https://theathletic.com/2747158/2021/08/05/josh-obrien-the-irish-american-who-went-on-trial-at-watford-and-ended-up-winning-a-pro-deal/

“It’s been a crazy couple of weeks,” Josh O’Brien tells The Athletic.
The 18-year-old is taking the same footballing path as Watford (https://theathletic.com/team/watford/)’s most famous American player, Jay DeMerit, having earned himself a contract on trial. O’Brien has been handed a one-year deal with an option of a further year and has put his studies at the University of Washington on hold to follow his dream.
“On the 4th of July (US Independence Day) the club posted about him (DeMerit) being their American and he’s someone I’ve looked into; I’d heard about him but I wasn’t super familiar,” says O’Brien, who was only born three years before DeMerit’s famous headed opening goal in the 2005-06 play-off final against Leeds United helped Watford win promotion to the Premier League (https://theathletic.com/premier-league/). “People have been talking about DeMerit around the club and asking whether I have any connections with him and (saying) that hopefully I can follow in his footsteps.”
O’Brien — like DeMerit, a centre-back — has already taken a more direct route than his countryman, who initially impressed in a match against Watford when he played for non-League neighbours Northwood in 2004 before earning a trial.
“One of my close family friends, Jack, does private coaching. His brother George Saville plays for Millwall and the Northern Ireland national team and had some connections with Watford and sent them a video to set up the trial for me,” O’Brien explains. “I didn’t expect anything to come from it, really. Not many guys manage to come over from the US. I was expecting to get two weeks of training just to be fit to go back to university and they offered me a pro contract.”
DeMerit was able to live and work in the UK thanks to his Danish heritage. O’Brien’s path has been aided by his Irish citizenship.
He was born in Dublin before moving to the US at just 10 weeks old due to a change in his father Eddie’s job. Work permit requirements don’t apply to players from Ireland due to FA rules.
“That was a big help,” he says.
Having an Irish father and German mother (Nicole) led Josh and his four brothers into playing football even though they were no longer living in Europe: “We just started playing at a very young age because they love it so much so it was easier for us to get involved instead of playing basketball, American football or baseball.”
O’Brien started with the Crossfire academy in Washington state, where he rubbed shoulders with some of the world’s best youngsters, facing youth sides of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and other professional set-ups on a tour in Spain. Crossfire boast former US international goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann among their coaches who, like DeMerit, also made a name for himself playing in England, most notably at Reading and Wolverhampton Wanderers (https://theathletic.com/team/wolverhampton-wanderers/). Besides 25-cap DeMerit, Tony Meola (1990) is the only other US international to have been on Watford books, while another keeper, Espen Baardsen (https://theathletic.com/1532958/2020/01/16/espen-baardsen-tottenham-watford/), and defender Lars Melvang were both born in the United States.
Another of Hahnemann’s former sides, Seattle Sounders of MLS (https://theathletic.com/mls/), were O’Brien’s next stop whilst he continued his education at Eastside Catholic and Archbishop Mitty schools in the city while snowboarding — again, like DeMerit — at the weekends. Last year saw a move to northern California to join developmental team De Anza Force before the planned switch back to the Seattle-based University of Washington (UW).
“Josh has been coming to our camps since I arrived at Washington 10 years ago. We know Josh better than almost any recruit we’ve brought to UW,” says their head coach Jamie Clark. “He’s a soccer junkie and this stands out when he’s on the ball as he’s an incredibly clean and efficient player. He’s technically great and understands how the game should be played.”
Clark may keep a squad space open for O’Brien in case things don’t go to plan with Watford, but the focus now is building on a strong start.
In less than a month his life has changed. After travelling to the UK alone and having to isolate for seven days due to COVID-19 restrictions, he was straight into a hectic schedule. “I met all the coaches when I arrived on the first day and everyone was really supportive,” he says. “I like that they tell you what to do in a positive way.”
Initially settling in with the under-18s, he moved up to the under-23s before the pre-season games started coming thick and fast, including training and playing with players from the first team. There was Brentford (https://theathletic.com/team/brentford/) behind closed doors, sitting on the bench at Vicarage Road against West Bromwich Albion (https://theathletic.com/team/west-bromwich-albion/) and under-23 fixtures against non-League side Bromley, Chesham and St Albans City.
The latter included playing alongside Will Hughes (https://theathletic.com/player/premier-league/watford/will-hughes/) and Stipe Perica (https://theathletic.com/player/premier-league/watford/stipe-perica/), who face uncertain futures at the club, but have taken time to help the new recruit settle in.
“You’d think they’d be kind of mean if you make a mistake or something, but they’re actually super-supportive and like to give lots of tips. They’ve taken me under their wing,” says O’Brien. “Will’s good, he’s given me lots of advice as I’ve been on his team a lot during training. He tells me to keep talking and he’ll always compliment me, saying, ‘Well done, Josh. Great pass’. I’ve been going up against Stipe a lot in training and he’s been telling me how to defend a striker. He has taken time in breaks from training to explain things.”
It’s helped O’Brien with the transition into playing as a central defender. “I’ve always been a midfielder, so I like being calm on the ball and passing is definitely a strength — long diagonals and searching for others with short passes through the lines,” he says. “Since I’ve got taller, I’ve moved to the back and it means I’m able to pass more rather than just kick it upfield when under pressure.”
His inspiration comes from the captain of the club both he and his dad Eddie support — Liverpool (https://theathletic.com/team/liverpool/)’s Virgil van Dijk (https://theathletic.com/player/premier-league/liverpool/virgil-van-dijk/). “He’s made defending a cool and fun position, winning headers on corners, attacking and passing,” he says. “I’ve always watched videos of him before every game, playing out of from the back to motivate me.”
His eldest brother Aran prefers another team in red, Manchester United (https://theathletic.com/team/manchester-united/), and walked out alongside Nemanja Vidic in 2011 when they played Seattle Sounders in a pre-season friendly. He has now graduated after playing in goal for Santa Clara University near San Francisco, while Ethan (next in line) is playing midfield at Notre Dame University in Indiana and turns out for MLS neighbours Columbus Crew (https://theathletic.com/team/crew/) at academy level in the summer.
The youngest of the O’Brien boys, Jake, was the first to make it to Watford, visiting for a trial before the pandemic.
Josh is the first pro of the clan, and they’re all delighted.
“We have a family group chat and they were super happy for me and we FaceTimed with all of them,” he says. “My dad has come to visit because I didn’t have all my stuff — I was only planning on being here for two or three weeks. So he’s brought some clothes and other things I need.”
Now it’s time to knuckle down in his new digs and look forward to a season with the under-23s and perhaps get himself on the radar of international scouts on both sides of the pond: “My dream is to play for Ireland, but if I did get a call from the United States, I’d take it.”

[elatedscum]

I think Josh and Jake were the two brothers who Noel King was photographed with after they arrived from the US, when he was working for the FAI after he left the 21s.

Another interesting name is Cristiano Fitzgerald from Boa Vista. I believe he’s also US raised

[CraftyToePoke]

Another interesting name is Cristiano Fitzgerald from Boa Vista. I believe he’s also US raised

Definitely, yes. Us and France according to the playmaker website but no idea how accurate that site is. Most online mentions seem to lead with his Irish side. Left wing / attacking mid I think ?

[liamoo11]

I think Josh and Jake were the two brothers who Noel King was photographed with after they arrived from the US, when he was working for the FAI after he left the 21s.

Another interesting name is Cristiano Fitzgerald from Boa Vista. I believe he’s also US raised

Any relation to pearse o brien who.played in this game? https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match/55510/2020/999946305

[Olé Olé]

Any relation to pearse o brien who.played in this game? https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match/55510/2020/999946305

There are four O'Brien brothers referenced in the article and Pearse isn't one of them. Also, Pearse looks to have been born in Connecticut and it looks like Josh's family are settled on the West Coast as that article references him starting his football in Washington State.

Interestingly, Pearse has 2 games in the USL Championship under his belt at the age of 16. He's in the same squad as Timi Sobowale who made that move across from Man City.

[elatedscum]

Any relation to pearse o brien who.played in this game? https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match/55510/2020/999946305

pretty sure that's the o'brien that i was thinking of (and his brother Ronan) who came across. Mad to think that there were two groups of O'Brien brothers.

[elatedscum]

josh Clarke, who was in the U18 squad against Hungary, has been called into the Northern Ireland U19 squad for two friendlies in September against the Faroes: https://www.irishfa.com/news/2021/august/u19s-boss-lyttle-names-squad-for-friendlies-against-faroes

That article mentions that Bolton's Rio McEvoy misses out due to injury having been part of a training camp in June - McEvoy was also in the U18 squad in Hungary, and was named in squad for the U19 training camp: https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/u19-mohan-hosts-u19-training-camp-in-uk

Mad to think Clarke will have played for Sweden u15, England u17, Ireland u18 and Northern Ireland u19. You'd imagine if Rio McEvoy is training with the Ireland u19s this week he's probably not injured (i thought Pearce of Southampton looked the better of the 2 u18 strikers to be honest).

Also speaking of the North, I saw dubliner Darragh Burns wasn't included in the North's U21 squad. You'd think considering how well he's done for Pat's that he'd be in shoo-in. So maybe he's declared for Ireland? Just speculating but hopefully...

[liamoo11]

Anyone know why josh ireland does not seem to have got any football at 18s or 23s with stoke this season? He played for our 18s a few weeks ago so he must be fit

[Razors left peg]

Anyone know why josh ireland does not seem to have got any football at 18s or 23s with stoke this season? He played for our 18s a few weeks ago so he must be fit

The temptation to say theres a granny issue is strong here.....

[tetsujin1979]

Squad announced for two friendlies against Belgium in Spain next week
1723045357263716640
First call up for Sam Folarin of Portsmouth, who made his first team debut earlier this week in the FA Trophy

[tetsujin1979]

Squad named for three friendlies against Japan, Portugal, and Croatia
https://www.fai.ie/latest/mu18-squad-named-japan-croatia-and-portugal-games/
Aston Villa's Keilan Quinn named for the first time. Transferred to Villa from Birmingham last February for £1m, and came off the bench for their U21s against Bolton in the EFL Trophy recently

[Olé Olé]

Joe Sheridan in there too. Must be a Belfast lad and good to see on the back of Sean Moore.

[elatedscum]

Hard to judge this squad until they announce the u19 squad. Assuming that Matthew Moore, Ike Orazi and Niall McAndrew are injured, that William Martin is with Denmark u18s and that the u19s have: Marcus Gill, Jacob Devaney, Aaron Ochoa Moloney, Mason Melia and Cathal O’Sullivan.

[tetsujin1979]

Stream of the friendly against Croatia earlier today
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