Athlone teenager plays for Ireland in Croatia

Athlone's Dan Costello played for the Republic of Ireland U-15 team against Cyprus in a UEFA development tournament in Croatia earlier today (Wednesday).

A former St Joseph's FC player who now plays for St Patrick’s Athletic, Costello started the game as Ireland defeated Cyprus 2-1 in Zagreb.

Costello, who was replaced against Cyprus on 41 minutes by Grady McDonnell, was one of eight defenders named in Jason Donohue’s 20-player squad for the tournament.

St Joseph's FC has congratulated Dan and his parents, Suzanne and John, on his call-up to the international squad. The club added that his selection was also a proud moment for his former coaches with St Joseph's, Davy Cummins, Padraig Moran and Packie Flynn.

Second-half goals from Michael Noonan and substitute Brody Lee saw Ireland battle back from a one-goal deficit to claim victory over Cyprus. Ade Solanke of Shamrock Rovers had the honour of captaining the Ireland team.

Ireland are due to play Spain this Friday, October 21 (kick-off 10am) and hosts Croatia next Monday, October 24. Both of those games will take place in Velika Gorica, Zagreb.

Republic of Ireland U-15 squad

Goalkeepers: Luke Cullen (St Patrick’s Athletic), Alex Noonan (Shamrock Rovers).

Defenders: Daniel Costello (St Patrick’s Athletic), AJ Doyle (Celtic), Cian Doyle (St Patrick’s Athletic), Oisin McDonagh (Shamrock Rovers), Cead McGrath (Finn Harps), Ade Solanke (Shamrock Rovers), Sam Stewart (St Patrick’s Athletic), Mohammed Oladiti (Shamrock Rovers).

Midfielders: Rory Finneran (Blackburn Rovers), Ramos Martos (Almeria), Dylan O’Connell (Cork City), Grady McDonnell (Vancouver Whitecaps).

Forwards: Max Kovalevskis (Shamrock Rovers), Brody Lee (Shamrock Rovers), Billy Hayes (St Patrick’s Athletic), Michael Noonan (St Patrick’s Athletic), Cillian Tollett (Galway United), Jaden Umeh (Cork City).