Limerick teenager in Rep of Ireland U19 squad for Spanish trip

LIMERICK teenager John Ryan has been included in the Republic of Ireland Men’s U19 squad which will play a double header of friendlies against Iceland in Pinatar, Spain this week. 

Eighteen-year-old Ryan, a former Aisling Annacotty player, now plays with UCD in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

The former St Kevin’s Boys and Shamrock Rovers player is a past pupil of Milford NS, Castletroy Gaelscoil and Castletroy College. He also previously played GAA with Ballybricken and Monaleen clubs.

Ryan tasted tasted double national underage league success at U17 and U19 level with Shamrock Rovers last season. 

The talented Limerick teenager has represented the Rep of Ireland at under-age level up through the age grades. 

This week's games with Iceland in Spain will be part of final international window for Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-19s Head Coach Tom Mohan before his team hit competitive action again in of September with Under-19 European Championship Qualifiers in Wales. Ireland are drawn in Group 4 along with Wales, Hungary and Gibraltar in their first round qualifiers.

There are first Ireland call-ups for Gbemi Arubi (Shelbourne), Jimmy Storer (Wolves), Nathan Fraser (Wolves), Ronnie McGrath (Leeds United) and James Golding (Oxford) 

Ireland take on Iceland on Wednesday, June 1 and Saturday, June 4 with both games taking place at the Pinatar Arena.

Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-19s Squad: 

Goalkeepers: Aaron Maguire (Tottenham Spurs), Owen Mason (Mansfield Town), Jimmy Storer (Wolves). 

Defenders: James Abankwah (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Sam Curtis (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Sean Grehan (Unattached), Harry Nevin (Preston North End), Aaron O’Reilly (Aston Villa), David Okagbue (Stoke City), James Golding (Oxford United), Alex Murphy (Galway United), John Ryan (UCD). 

Midfielders: Cian Coleman (Leeds United), Justin Ferizaj (Shamrock Rovers),Jad Hakiki (Shelbourne), Ronnie McGrath (Leeds United), James McManus (Bohemians), Jamie Mullins (Bohemians), Harry Vaughan (Oldham Athletic).

Forwards: Gbemi Arubi (Shelbourne), Billy Brooks (Lincoln City), Nathan Fraser (Wolves), Mark O’Mahony (Cork City), Kevin Zefi (Inter Milan). 

International Fixtures (all kick-off times are Irish time) 

Wednesday, June 1 | Republic of Ireland MU19 v Iceland MU19, Pinatar Arena, Pinatar, Spain, 5.30pm 
Saturday, June 4 | Republic of Ireland MU19 v Iceland MU19, Pinatar Arena, Pinatar, Spain, 3pm