By Harry Walsh
LETTERKENNY Rovers midfielder Gareth Doherty has been included in the Republic of Ireland U16 squad which travels to the Netherlands next week for two friendly international matches in Arnhem.
The Irish last played at this level in September when they produced two impressive displays against Estonia in Kerry.
“It’s great to work with the lads again after such a long break. We’re delighted with the quality of opposition which will be an excellent test for them,” said head Coach Tom O’Connor will take his.
“This group of players is down five players who are in the U17s squad which is brilliant from our point of view. It gives other players a chance to experience this level of the game.
“It’s an opportunity for other players to impress. We have a tournament in May in Switzerland so this week will be good experience for the lads. We’re playing Croatia, Switzerland and Belgium over there.
“The Estonia games didn’t really give the lads the test we expected but we’re all looking forward to the challenge they’ll get against good calibre oppostion like the Dutch.”
Ireland meet the Dutch on Tuesday and Thursday. Both games take place in Arnhem.
Republic of Ireland U16 squad:
Eric Donnelly (Home Farm)
David Coffey (Springfield Ramblers)
Darragh Leahy (St Kevins Boys)
JJ Lunney (Malahide United)
Zachary Elbouzedi (Malahide United)
Daniel Mandareu (St Kevins Boys)
Mark Buckley (Corintians Boys)
Avis Ganiu (Templeogue United)
Conor Davis (Templeogue United)
Jean Yves Poame (Corduff)
Tristan Hosmann (Mullingar Athletic)
Gareth Doherty (Letterkenny Rovers)
Jesse Stafford-Lacey (St Brendans Park FC)
Josh Miller (Lucan United)
Stephen Nolan (BT Harps)
Sean Whelan (Lucan United)
Conor Levingston (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Louis Dunne (Colchester United)
Ryan Fowley (Buttevant AFC)
Nathan Seery (Templeogue United)
FIXTURES
Tuesday, 18th March 2014
U16 International Friendly
Netherlands v Republic of Ireland, Sportcentrum Papendal, Arnhem (6.00pm Irish)
Thursday, 20th March 2014
U16 International Friendly
Netherlands v Republic of Ireland, Sportcentrum Papendal, Arnhem (11.00am Irish)
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