The Northern Ireland Under-18 Schoolboys’ team will be on the glory trail in Cardiff later today (12 April) when they play their final game in this year’s Centenary Shield.
Frankie Wilson’s side know that a win will guarantee at least a share of the trophy.
Organised by SAFIB (Schools Association Football International Board), the Centenary Shield is contested for by the U18 boys selects representing the schoolboy football associations of the UK plus the Republic of Ireland.
Northern Ireland have six points from three games in this season’s shield competition after defeating England and Scotland and losing to the Republic.
If they defeat Wales at Cardiff Metropolitan University this evening (7 o’clock start) they would have nine points – and that cannot be bettered by any of the other nations, however it can be matched.
The Republic, who have six points from three games, still have to play England. And England, on three points from two games, also have to play Wales.
Scotland have completed their fixtures and have six points, while Wales have no points from two games.
If Northern Ireland win this evening, and the Republic and England draw in Dublin tomorrow, then Northern Ireland would be crowned Shield champions.
Northern Ireland manager Frankie Wilson has made three changes to the squad and is not playing down the importance of this evening’s game.
He said: “It's probably the biggest international game most of these lads will ever play. A win guarantees at least a share of the Centenary Shield. Not many would have predicted that after our opening defeat to our close neighbours.
“Each game is a cup final and every nation is capable of taking points off each other. My advice to my players is beware the wounded dragon. Wales will be fired up for this home game and anything short of 100% will not be good enough.”
The Northern Ireland team have been hit by suspensions and injuries. Bo Larkin is away with college, Chris Crane is injured and Fra Nolan suspended.
But the manager pointed out: “We have drafted in goalkeeper Conan Doherty from St Columb’s College in Derry-Londonderry, Zac Wilson from Portadown College and Josh Kelly from Northern Ireland Schools’ Cup winners Grosvenor Grammar.
“A huge game in Cardiff awaits us. Honesty and hard work will be the order of the day. The players’ own skill and ability will shine through if they get those two attributes correct. Here's hoping for a Northern Ireland win to secure the shield.”
The Northern Ireland U18 Schoolboys squad to face Wales features:
Conan Doherty St Columb’s College
Eamon Scannell Corpus Christi College
Zac Wilson Portadown College
Eoin Toal St Patrick’s Armagh
Aaron Donnelly Belfast Met
Bobby Burns St Malachy’s College
Andy Scott Drumragh Integrated College
Lorcan Forde Abbey Grammar Newry
Daniel Reynolds Belfast Met
Niall Owens St Michael’s College
Caolin Coyle Northern Regional College
Decky Dunne Mercy College
Thomas Roscoe Wallace High School
Conall Young Belfast Met
Matthew Kirk St Columb’s College
Jack O’Mahony Slemish College
Ryan Strain Northern Regional College
Josh Kelly Grosvenor Grammar