Northern Ireland men’s under 17 team will play two friendlies against Turkey this August.
The Danny Blanchflower Stadium in east Belfast will play host to the games which take place this Saturday (10 August) and Tuesday (13 August) both games will kick-off at 3pm. Entry is free.
Director of Elite Player Development, Andy Waterworth, who will be leading the squad supported by Kris Lindsay and Gareth McAuley, fresh from his UEFA U19s exploits, said:
“These games will provide a good test for our team who will participate in the European qualifiers this October. it isn’t an official international window so some of our players who have recently left Northern Ireland to go to England haven’t joined up to allow them time to settle into their new clubs which is the right thing to do.
“That said, for the boys that will be present it will be a great opportunity to get together for what will be valuable exposure to top class opposition in Turkey.”
Waterworth is also encouraging fans to come down and support the team:
“Entry is free and we really hope that we can maintain that feel good factor around watching our youth teams like we did for the recent under 19’s championships. So come along, support the lads and take in some top quality football.”
U17 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Finn McDonnell (Bohemians), Zak Robinson (Larne), Milo Beimers (Glentora)
Defenders: Callum Leacock (Linfield), Noah McDonnell (Aberdeen), Cead McGrath (Derry City), Harry Moran (Liverpool), Alex Eakin (Larne), Darragh McCann (Ipswich Town), Leon Barr (Crusaders), Aron KC (Derry City)
Midfielders: Matthew Burns (Coleriane), Alex Watson (Linfield), Jack Faloona (Glentoran), Evan Boulter (Nottingham Forest), Christian Coyle (Bohemians), Callum Downey (Derry City), Glenn McCourt (Derry City), Troy Savage (Burnley)
Forwards: Scott Hamilton (Nottingham Forest), Kalum Thompson (Linfield), Paul McGovern (Unattched), Luke Hawe (Ballymena Utd), Chris Atherton (Glenavon)
