Republic of Ireland Under 17 manager Sean McCaffrey today (Tuesday) announced his 20 man squad that will take on Poland in a double header friendly on Tuesday 21 and Thursday 23 April (kick-off 7.30pm). United Park, Drogheda will play host to the first game while Tallaght stadium will host its first international fixture since it opened its gates in March on Thursday 23 April.

Included in the squad are a number of players who competed in Qatar in November last year such as Monaghan United’s Aaron McCarey, Belvedere defender, Sean Skelly and Newcastle’s Stephen Folan, a native of Mayo. Mayo is represented well as striker Ryan Connolly is also included in the squad having played every game at Under 17 level this season.

The United Park, Drogheda fixture will be of special interest to a number of players from the locality. Drogheda United defender, Eoghan Osbourne played with Albion Rovers growing up while Dundalk man Stephen McDonnell, played for Quay Celtic before signing for Celtic at the start of the season.

A number of Munster based players also made the cut. Cork is represented by two players, Blackburn Rovers’ defender, Anthony O’Connor and John Egan (both pictured left) who has recently signed for Sunderland. Fulham’s Paudie Quinn, who hails from Kerry and Castleisland local, Sean Brosnan will be hoping to make their debut at international level.

Manager Sean McCaffrey said: “We’ve set out how we want team to play in these games against Poland. It’s important at this stage to get the players playing in the right way, to attack and play open football. These games are about continuing the players’ education, to play in the way that they’ll develop into brave, skilful footballers.

"Results are important for confidence but I am looking for performance. Poland will play a high quality of football and we will be looking to match and outplay them. This is a step in identify players for next year’s Under 18 panel and it would be nice to finish the season on a winning note.”

U-17 Squad for double-header v Poland:

Aaron McCarey - Monaghan Utd
Josh Byrne - Waterford Bohs
Sean Skelly - Belvedere
John Egan - Greenwood
Mark O’Brien - Derby County
Anthony O’Connor - Blackburn Rvs
Sean Tse - Manchester City
Sean McGinty - Charlton Athletic
Eoghan Osbourne - Drogheda Utd
Sean Stewart - St. Kevin’s Boys
Jeff Kendrick - Derby County
Paudie Quinn - Fulham
Stephen McDonnell - Celtic
Stephen Folan - Newcastle Utd
Craig Walsh - Cherry Orchard
Patrick Mc Eleney - Foyle Harps
Selcuk Tidim - St Pauli
Ryan Connolly - Derby County
Sean Brosnan - Castleisland
Anthony Bolger - Aberdeen

Fixtures
Tuesday 21 April
Republic of Ireland v Poland
United Park, Drogheda
Kick-off 7.30pm

Thursday 23 April
Republic of Ireland v Poland
Tallaght Stadium
Kick-off 7.30pm.