Replicating full-time conditions key for Ireland's next generation

While Spain proved a step too far for the Republic of Ireland Under-17s on Saturday, the run to the European Championship quarter-finals was largely impressive nonethless.

Colin O'Brien's side bounced back from a 5-1 defeat to Poland in their opener at the tournament in Hungary, going on to beat Wales and the host nation 3-0 and 4-2 respectively on the way to the knockout stages, with League of Ireland-based talents like Mason Melia, Luke Kehir, Ike Orazi and Naj Razi all putting their names in lights.

The consolation prize of a World Cup play-off was not forthcoming either due to results elsewhere on Saturday but getting to the quarter-finals has led to some optimism about the quality of young Irish players coming through.

However, increased funding and growing the number of qualified coaches will be vital as former Ireland underage and international Paul Corry emphasised on the latest RTÉ Soccer Podcast.

"There's a couple of players there that have definitely made a name for themselves and the great thing is we can track them so close to home now because so much of that squad are playing in the League of Ireland and in the underage national leagues," said the ex-UCD, Shamrock Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, in light of the Brexit rules which ensure that more Irish players are based at home longer and cannot go to the UK until the age of 18.

Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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