Striker with Athlone roots named in Ireland U17 World Cup squad

A Republic of Ireland underage footballer with an Athlone connection has been named in the national team's Under 17 squad which will compete at the World Cup in Qatar this month.

Ronan Keating (15) is the son of Athlone natives, Áine Lenihan and Padraig Keating, who currently live in Oranmore, County Galway.

Aine, from Lisbaun, Kiltoom, is the daughter of Noirin and PJ Lenihan, while Padraig, from Moor View, Bonavalley, is the son of the late Breeda and late Vincent Keating.

Keating, who has captained the Republic of Ireland at U15 level, will now compete at the World Cup two years above his age group.

Currently a prolific striker in the Galway United underage academy, Keating trialled with Manchester City in August and in March, had the opportunity to train in Portugal with Benfica's U15 and U16 age groups.

Prior to his departure for Qatar, Keating will hope to feature in the Republic of Ireland's trio of U17 European Championships qualifying games in Denmark, the first of which is against Estonia, on Wednesday, at 11am.

The Republic of Ireland complete their qualifying fixtures against Wales on Saturday (November 14), at 11am and Denmark on Tuesday (November 17), at 2pm.

The U17 World Cup starts in Qatar on November 19. The Republic of Ireland have been place in Group I and will play Brazil (Saturday, November 21), Costa Rica (Tuesday, November 24) and Tanzania (Friday, November 27) in their round robin fixtures.