Athlone player in Ireland U-16 squad for Malta trip

Kieran Galvin

Published: Mon 20 Sep 2021, 9:44 AM

Last updated: Mon 20 Sep 2021, 9:48 AM

Athlone Town's Eoin Sheeran has been named in the Republic of Ireland Under-16 soccer squad which will play Malta in two international friendlies this week.

Sheeran played his schoolboy football with St Francis FC before joining Athlone Town. The talented defender also plays football for Tubberclair GAA club.

Ireland head coach Paul Osam will lead a squad of 20 players to Malta for a double-header of friendlies in what will be the group’s first taste of international football.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it will be the first time since January 2020 for Osam to take charge of an international game.

Ireland take on their Maltese counterparts tomorrow (Tuesday), September 21 (kick-off 10am Irish time) and again on Thursday (9am). Both games will take place at Malta's National Stadium in Ta' Qali.

Speaking about fixtures, Osam said: “We’re really looking forward to these games – it’s been a long time coming. We’ve played Under-17 National League opposition over the last few months but you can’t beat playing international matches."

Osam described this U-16 group as "unique" as they haven’t experienced international football before. "It will be a different challenge for us to overcome. Malta, like most teams at this age group, will be in a similar situation but the focus will be on what we can do and what questions we can ask of them. They will be two good games and all of us are looking forward to them,” he added.

Republic of Ireland Men's U-16 squad

Goalkeepers: Jason Healy (Waterford), Ryan Maher (Bohemians).

Defenders: Sean Hayden (St Patrick’s Athletic), Orlandas Jakas (Shamrock Rovers), Sean Mackey (St Patrick’s Athletic), Corey O’Sullivan (Shamrock Rovers), Eoin Sheeran (Athlone Town), Patryk Sweicka (Cork City).

Midfielders: Anthony Dodd (St Patrick’s Athletic), Michael Golding (Chelsea), Leo Healy (Klub Kildare), Luke Kehir (St Patrick’s Athletic), Adam O’Halloran (Galway United), Naz Raji (Shamrock Rovers), Freddie Turley (Shamrock Rovers).

Forwards: Aidan Cannon (Celtic), Trent Kone Doherty (Derry City), Brian Moore (St Patrick’s Athletic), Cian Morling (Brighton and Hove Albion), Nickson Okasun (Bohemians).