Benson named in Ireland U21 home-based squad

By Kieran Galvin Athlone native Robbie Benson has been selected in the Republic of Ireland squad for this Saturday's practice match against Leinster & Munster. UCD's Benson, a former Athlone Town player, is among those included in Noel King's entirely home-based panel. Benson's selection is an indicator of the impact the former Marist College student has made since moving to UCD. The Leinster & Munster side are currently preparing for the forthcoming UEFA Regions Cup. "This will be an excellent opportunity for our players to show our management team what they can do," said Noel King. "We have played games like this in the past to good effect and quite a few players have come through those games and furthered their careers including Enda Stevens, Karl Sheppard, Paddy Madden and Paul Corry." The practice match kicks-off at 1.30pm at the AUL Complex, Clonshaugh, on Saturday. Republic of Ireland U21 squad Greg Murray (Bohemian FC) Niall Burdon (Shelbourne FC) Michael Barker (Bohemian FC) Roberto Lopes (Bohemian FC) Luke Byrne (Bohemian FC) Chris Lyons (Bohemian FC) Hugh Douglas (UCD AFC) Barry McCabe (UCD AFC) Robbie Benson (UCD AFC) Ismahil Akinade (Bray Wanderers FC) Kevin Knight (Bray Wanderers FC) Eoghan Osborne (Dundalk FC) Daniel Purdy (Longford Town FC) Stephen McDonnell (Dundalk FC) Chris Forrester (St Patrick's Athletic FC) Conor Murphy (St Patrick's Athletic FC) Barry McNamee (Derry City FC)