Cockhill Celtic duo Jimmy Bradley and Peter Doherty are part of an 18-man Republic of Ireland Amateur squad for the UEFA Regions’ Cup qualifying round in Romania.
Bradley and Doherty were selected after a trials process.
Ireland, managed by Gerry Davis, will play three games in Group 2, against Buzau (Romania), West Slovakia (Slovakia) and North Riding Football League (England), with the winners qualifying for the Finals in 2019.
Ireland have a brilliant history in the competition, with a Munster/Connacht selection reaching the Final in Turkey in 2017, while the Eastern Region won the competition on home soil two years previously. Ireland have qualified for four of the past five tournaments.
“It’s a really difficult competition. There is rarely anything between the teams. It poses different challenges every time,” Davis said.
“To represent your country is an honour at any level. These players want to wear the green jersey. We’ve been delighted with the commitment.”