Newtowncunningham schoolboy Ronan McKinley has been named in the Republic of Ireland Under-16 squad for the upcoming UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament in Sweden.
Paul Osam takes charge of his side for the final time this season, for games against Sweden, Austria and Turkey. They players will move on to Colin O’Brien’s Under-17 side next season.
McKinley, who is on the books at Derry City and features for the Candystripes at underage and Ulster Senior League levels, is among the 20 players selected by Osam.
“We’re trying to replicate as close as possible to what the players will be dealing with next year at the Under-17 European Championships,” Osam said.
“They will be playing three games in five days in Sweden. It’s as close as possible to what the players experience in tournament football.
“This is a culmination of everything we have done this season. We want to hand the best players over to Under-17 Head Coach Colin O’Brien for next season.”
Seama Keogh of Sligo Rovers, who goes to school in Ballyshannon, is also included.
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