Ireland v Qatar kicks off at 19:45 tonight, 12th October in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The match will be shown live on RTE 2, RTE Player, and Sky Sports Premier League Ireland.

Manager Stephen Kenny is now three games unbeaten, including his win over Azerbaijan on Saturday. Now that he has his first win and first competitive win, he will now want his first win at home.

In seven attempts, Kenny has not managed to triumph in the Aviva Stadium. His heavily changed squad will want to make their mark with a win today.

Qatar has now been joined by Germany as the first team to qualify for the next World Cup. They may be optimistic but manager Felix Sanchez will want them to start winning so that they will not be embarrassed at home.

Qatar have now gone five matches without a victory with losses to the USA and Serbia. They will play a strong team in hopes of scoring some goals.

These two countries are only recent opponents. In current history, Ireland has only faced Qatar once, in a friendly back in March. That day, the Boys in Green were disappointed to draw 1-1 even though the Qatari team dominated possession and chances.

Ireland are 4/6 to win, maybe use the Sky Bet sign up offer to back Robinson at 9/2 to score first.

Stephen Kenny's Ireland get their first competitive win pic.twitter.com/iADhzTJgnN

— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) October 9, 2021

Ireland v Qatar Probable Starting Teams

Ireland

Formation

4-3-3

Probable Starting 11

Kelleher (GK), Stevens, Collins, Egan, Christie, Cullen, Hourihane, Ogbene, McGrath, Parrott, Connolly.

Injuries / Suspensions

Coleman, Manning

Qatar

Formation

3-5-2

Probable Starting 11

Sheeb (GK), Fadlalla, Salman, Hisham, Ahmed, Hatem, Boudiaf, Abdulsalam, Miguel, Afif, Ali.

Injuries / Suspensions

None

CONFIRMED: Caoimhin Kelleher will make his first senior start for the Republic of Ireland in Tuesday night's friendly against Qatar. #awlive [sky]

Congratulations, Caoimhim pic.twitter.com/aGS2Ata9ZD

— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) October 11, 2021

Ireland v Qatar Betting

Ireland 3/4

Draw 23/10

Qatar 7/2

Score Prediction

Bar Ireland’s last victory, goals have been hard to come by. Qatar has been in worse form than the Irish with only two goals in five matches so do not expect this game to be full of goals. Kenny may lineup a weaker side to try out some new players so this game could go either way.

Expect the game to end 2-1 to Ireland.

The way @JeffHendrick92 looks at a football #COYBIG | #WeAre100 | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/RgqQWLUcin

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) October 11, 2021

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Irish and international football news, click here.

The post Ireland v Qatar – Preview, Betting, Probable Starting Teams, TV Coverage appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Ireland boss has named some surprises in the 26 man squad as well as handing out possible first senior caps to some players.

Captain Seamus Coleman will miss out on the matches due to a hamstring injury he sustained while playing for Everton. He has been replaced in the squad with young defender Nathan Collins who moved to Burnley this season but is yet to make an appearance.

Fulham defender Cyrus Christie is also named in the squad mainly due to the injury of West Brom centre half Dara O’Shea. Celtic’s Liam Scales was unlucky not to get a call up after recent showings in the Scottish Premiership.

Midfielders Jason Molumby and Alan Browne have also not been included in this November international’s squad.

Wigan Athletic striker Will Keane has received his first international call-up to Ireland having scored four goals in the opening nine matches of the League One season.

Full squad announcement here #Ireland #football #soccer pic.twitter.com/zmOSNS6BcV

— Will Dalton (@WillDalton01) September 30, 2021

Ireland Men’s National Team 26 man squad

Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth FC), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool FC), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)

Defenders: Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Cyrus Christie (Fulham FC), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Ryan Manning (Swansea FC), Andrew Omabamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley)

Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Sheffield United), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Jason Knight (Derby City), Jamie McGrath (St Mirren), Harry Arter (Charlton Athletic)

Forwards: Callum Robinson (West Bromich Albion), Aaron Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Collins (Cardiff City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (MK Dons), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United)

This morning on Soccer AM, Robbie Keane proved he is still Ireland's best strikerpic.twitter.com/PdqLEH1zG1

— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 11, 2021

Ireland will play Azerbaijan first in a World Cup qualifier. The match kicks of at 17:00 on Saturday 9th October in Tel Aviv.

They will then return home to play World Cup hosts Qatar in a friendly. That game starts at 19:45 on Tuesday 12th October.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Ireland and international football news, click here.

The post Kenny names 26 man squad for upcoming games appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

St. Patrick’s Athletic’s Brian Moore hit a second-half hat-trick as Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-16s recorded a stunning 6-0 win over Malta.

Moore was introduced at half-time and was ruthless in front of goal for Paul Osam’s side as Ireland scored five second-half goals.

Bohemians’ Nickson Okosun netted a brace and Chelsea’s Michael Golding scored his first goal for Ireland with a fine top corner finish.

Osam handed the captaincy to Shamrock Rovers’ Cory O’Sullivan and introduced them to the starting line-up goalscorers from Tuesday’s game, Cian Morling, and Okosun.

Ireland got the breakthrough in the 25th minute. Morling was brought down in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. Okosun cooly stroked the ball into the bottom corner, sending Malta goalkeeper Jake Scicluna the wrong way.

At half-time, Moore was introduced for Morling, and Pat’s man would get the first of his three goals in the 49th minute with a clinical finish that went in off the post.

Four minutes later it was 3-0 to Ireland and Okosun had his second. Great work from Luke Kehir saw him round the goalkeeper and put it on a plate for a tap-in for Okosun, taking the Bohs’ striker’s tally for the week to three goals.

Michael Golding made it 4-0 in the 75th minute, turning sharply inside the box and finishing into the top left corner.

Moore got his second three minutes later when he finished at the front post from a Sean Hayden cross. He sealed his hat-trick in the final minute of the game when he capitalized on a mistake in the Malta defense to finish past the goalkeeper and complete the scoring for Ireland.

The win was their second in the week over their opponents and the Men’s Under-16s will turn their attention to the Victory Shield next month in Belfast.

Former academy player Cian scored for Republic of Ireland U16’s in their 0-3 win vs Malta U16’s top work big man! Keep it up!https://t.co/E7SsGN8g8k pic.twitter.com/yC6sBtEPuR

— Learn Play Achieve Academy (@LPAacademy) September 22, 2021

Malta

Scicluna (GK); Fardell, Previi, K. Farrugia, Debono, Okeke; Zammit, B. Farrugia; Hudson, Delicata (C), Bugeja.
Substitutions: Gaela (GK), Briffa, Carabott, Zammit, Cassar, Mattocks, Agius, J Azzopardi, I. Azzopardi.

Republic of Ireland:

Maher (GK); O’Sullivan (C) (Hayden, 70), Jakas, Swieczka (Sheeran, 70); Razi (Cannon, 55), Kehir (Mackey, 70), Healy, Golding, O’Halloran (Turley, 70) ; Morling (Moore 41), Okosun (Kone Doherty, 55).

Ireland Men’s U16 Head Coach Paul Osam has named a squad of 20 for friendlies against Malta next week.

All players are in line for their international debuts

21/09 | v
23/09 | v

Full details https://t.co/zqyzdOqQKm#IRLU16 | #COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/275mx1dPTe

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) September 18, 2021

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A limited number of fans will have the chance to catch a glimpse of the next generation of Irish internationals with 600 free tickets made available for spectators.

It will be the final preparation for the U17s ahead of their UEFA Under-17 European Championship qualifiers which also take place in Cork in October.

O’Brien’s youngsters face North Macedonia, Poland, and Andorra in the first round of qualifiers but before that, they take on North American opposition.

Speaking ahead of the games, O’Brien said: “To get this level of opposition is a real huge plus for us.

“Mexico is a real powerhouse at this age group if you research and examine their age groups in the past couple of years they’re a World Cup standard team and that will the standard over the two games we will be playing.

“It’s a very ‘home-based squad’ and it’s the first squad we’re going to see around the Brexit situation but the players are well into their season and we’ve done a lot of home-based assessments and training camps over the last few months and a lot of games watched.

“We’ve 20 players ready to represent the Republic of Ireland Under-17s against high-level opposition so the players are going to be really tested here, both collectively and individually, and it will give them a good measure to where they’re at.”

Republic of Ireland Under-17 squad

Goalkeepers: Fintan Doherty (Derry City), Conor Walsh (Sligo Rovers)

Defenders: Luke Browne (Shelbourne), Sam Curtis (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Cathal Heffernan (Cork City), Ruadhan Kane (Klub Kildare), Daniel Kelly (Sligo Rovers), Luke O’Brien (St. Patrick’s Athletic)

Midfielders: Justin Ferizaj (Shamrock Rovers), Gavin Hodgins (Shelbourne), Darius Lipsivc (St. Patrick’s Athletic), James McManus (Bohemians), Rocco Vata (Celtic)

Forwards: Trent Kone Doherty (Derry City), Mark O’Mahony (Cork City), Caden McLoughlin (Villareal), Liam Murray (Cork City), Alex Nolan (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Franco Umeh (Cork City), Kevin Zefi (Inter Milan)

Rocco Vata selected for the Republic of Ireland U17'S v Mexico this week in CorkBest of luck pic.twitter.com/emBGl43emM

— AnnFrances Murray (@AnnFrancesMurr3) August 29, 2021

Fixtures – International Friendlies 

Sunday, 5th September

Republic of Ireland U17 v Mexico U17, Turner’s Cross, Cork, KO: 19:00

Tuesday, September 7

Republic of Ireland U17 v Mexico U17, Turner’s Cross, Cork KO: 12:00

The post Ireland U17 squad named for upcoming friendlies appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Republic of Ireland Under-18s made it a winning start to Colin O’Brien’s reign with him giving 14 players their first outing at this level.

Goals from Derby County’s Cian Kelly-Caprani and Shamrock Rovers’ Dara McGuinness were enough to give the Boys in Green a win in the first of two international friendly games this week in the Hungarian capital.

Luton Town’s Ed McJannet captained the side and it was his first appearance for an Irish underage team along with Josh Clarke, Alex Murphy, Cian Coleman, Billy Brooks, and Rio McEvoy.

Ed McJannet, Luton Town. Captain of Ireland U18 pic.twitter.com/2hoCmzYK0z

— LutonTownExile (@LutonTownExile) August 17, 2021

Ireland started the livelier of the two sides with Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh going close several times in the first half. Firstly, he hit a low drive that tested the handling of goalkeeper Martin Dala. Then on the half-hour mark, the Cork City man saw his attempted lob land on the roof of the net.

O’Brien-Whitmarsh, operating in the Number 10 position, found himself thwarted by the keeper five minutes later when he was put through on goal and saw his effort bounce off the body of the Hungarian goalkeeper.

The breakthrough came just before half-time. Kelly-Caprani capitalized on a mistake in the Hungary backline, latching onto a loose ball and rounding the goalkeeper to slot in from a tight angle to give Ireland a deserved lead.

After the break, it was 2-0. Leeds’ Coleman did superbly well to get down the right flank before delivering a dangerous cross into the six-yard box. The ball fell to McGuinness and the Rovers man poked it home to give Ireland a two-goal cushion.

McJannet almost topped off his fine performance with a goal of his own. He engineered an opportunity with an exchange of passes; however, his left-footed effort was pushed behind for a corner. It was to be the final clear-cut chance of the second half and the game finished up 2-0.

Both teams are back in action on Thursday as Ireland looked to do the double over Hungary.

FT | All over in Budapest and it’s a win for Ireland U18 @ShamrockRovers’s Dara McGuinness adds to Kelly-Caprani’s opener to give the Boys in Green the victory over Hungary

The sides play again on Thursday #COYBIG | #IRLU18 | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/B60AEK8xV0

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) August 17, 2021

Teams

Hungary

Dala (GK)(Mergi. 46); Kaján (Sipos 77) , Korógyi (Kovács 77), Dragoner, Yaakobishvili, Szabó (Andros Gulyás 60), Molnar, Kocsis (Kiss, 60), Gruber (Auriél Gyuris 77), Bakti, Kallai.

Republic of Ireland

Clarke (GK); Agbaje, Grehan (Fogarty 73), Heffernan, Murphy; McJannet, Coleman, O’Brien-Whitmarsh (Brooks 61), Kelly-Caprani, McGuinness, McEvoy (Pearce 61).

Referee: Imre Kovács (Hungary).

Upcoming Fixtures

International Friendly (Irish time)
Thursday, August 19 | Hungary v Republic of Ireland, BVSC Stadion, Budapest, Hungary, KO 10:00.

At the BVSC Stadium in Budapest for Republic of Ireland v Hungary U18. @FAIreland debuts for @ed_mcj _ @joeobw_10 @integralsportsm . @ed_mcj _ Captain on debut too pic.twitter.com/MQncpjeZE5

— Dan Fletcher (@Dan_Fletcher10) August 17, 2021

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DARREN RANDOLPH – 6

Not much Randolph could have done about the 3 England goals. Executed the basics well and showed good distribution. He was however hesitant to deal with a cross on one occasion, which could have easily lead to a Harry Maguire goal.

CYRUS CHRISTIE – 5

Cyrus Christie was afforded a rare international start tonight owing to Séamus Coleman’s absence. Looked good at times defensively in the first half. Unfortunately though, he gave away a penalty in the second half which led to England’s 3^rd goal. Subbed off for Kevin Long in the 60^th minute.

MATT DOHERTY – 6

Doherty had an unusual start at left back tonight due to Enda Stevens’ unfortunate injury. He played well in the unfamiliar position. He looked astute defensively and kept possession well.

SHANE DUFFY – 6

Although normally dominant in the air, he lost his 50/50 with Harry Maguire for the first England goal. Otherwise, made a handful of key blocks and looked fairly comfortable on the ball. Not his best game for Ireland, but not his worst.

JOHN EGAN – N/A

Egan was subbed off for Dara O’Shea in the 14^th minute due to a head injury. His collision with Conor Hourihane while defending a corner was the cause of the injury.

ALAN BROWNE – 6

Injected good energy into the Ireland midfield as he regularly chased lost causes and made good runs for his teammates to pick him out. Combined well with Daryl Horgan in the first half which nearly resulted in an opportunity for Ireland. Had Ireland’s first shot of the night in the 70^th minute which was saved by Dean Henderson.

CONOR HOURIHANE – 6

Played a few good crossfield passes throughout the game, however failed to progress the ball as he would have liked. Had a good chance from a set piece in the first half, but the ball was easily dealt with in the end. Subbed off for Jayson Molumby in the 70^th minute.

JEFF HENDRICK – 7

Looked very good in possession when on the ball. Played a brilliant lofted ball into the box for Daryl Horgan which ultimately resulted in nothing. His work rate for Ireland has been criticized in the past, but he was very busy in midfield tonight.

DARYL HORGAN – 6

Daryl Horgan played just his 8^th Ireland game tonight, starting on the right wing. He was arguably Ireland’s best player in the first half. He got behind the England backline on occasion and provided a few dangerous crosses. Unfortunately though, his crosses were not met by his teammates. Subbed in the 60^th minute for Robbie Brady.

CALLUM O’DOWDA – 5

Was quiet and didn’t get on the ball as much as he would have liked. He did, however, perform well defensively when called into action. Subbed off for James McClean in the 60^th minute.

ADAM IDAH – 6

Looked comfortable in possession but failed to create any danger in the opposition box. Normally plays in behind the defence, but was deployed in a more David McGoldrick-esque role tonight as he dropped deep on occasion to receive the ball. He also displayed good pressing throughout the match. Subbed off for Ronan Curtis in the 70^th minute.

SUBSTITUTIONS

DARA O’SHEA – 6

Came on for John Egan in the 14^th minute. Looked very comfortable on the ball as he sprayed passes while operating at centre back. Converted to right back after Cyrus Christie came off.

JAMES MCCLEAN – 5

Played one good cross into Shane Duffy towards the end of the match, but otherwise didn’t have much of an impact.

ROBBIE BRADY – 5

Kept possession well after coming on, but didn’t do much in other respects.

KEVIN LONG – 6

Did his job well when he came on. Made two vital interceptions towards the end of the game to halt England goalscoring opportunities.

JAYSON MOLUMBY – 6

Looked good in possession. He was always keen to get on the ball and made a good run in the 80^th minute which eventually led to a Ronan Curtis shot. Covered a lot of ground after coming on.

RONAN CURTIS – 6

Made a good run turned shot in the 80^th minute which forced Dean Henderson into a save. Otherwise, didn’t have much of an impact.

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It seems a long time ago since Declan Rice rejected Ireland in favour of England. In reality, it’s been less than 2 years. Since then, the West Ham midfielder has established himself as a regular for his country. Some would argue that he’s an Englishman so he should be allowed to play for the country, which is fair. Others would contend that he abused the Irish system for his own gain, thus denying other Irishmen the opportunity to represent their nation.

Similarly, Jack Grealish also played for Ireland but ultimately decided his future rested with England. However, the circumstances surrounding his decision are slightly different. Nearly 6 years following his switch to the Three Lions, many Ireland fans have *somewhat* forgiven Jack Grealish. This may be due to the length of time since his choice. Alternatively, it could be because Grealish never represented Ireland at senior level. Either way, Declan Rice is a far more maligned figure than the Aston Villa man.

𝗩 𝗜 𝗦 𝗜 𝗢 𝗡 @JackGrealish was on last night! pic.twitter.com/X23LU4DN7N

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) OCTOBER 19, 2020

The England squad also features Michael Keane, whom represented Ireland up to u19 level before switching allegiance. The Everton defender has represented England since 2012, though.

Callum Robinson, on the other hand, previously represented England at underage level before declaring for Ireland in 2018. He has accumulated 15 caps since then. He’ll be looking to add to his catalogue against the country he once represented.

FIXTURE DETAILS

The nations are scheduled to meet in a friendly on the 12^th of November. Thursday is the day of the match which will kick off at 20:00. Wembley stadium will be the venue for the fixture in what promises to be an intriguing affair. It has been over 5 years since the two historical rivals last met. The last match ended in a scoreless draw. Let’s hope there’s more entertainment on show this time around.

Irish TV will not be broadcasting the match. However, ITV will be providing coverage for those in need of an alternative solution.

Ireland are also set to don their newly unveiled kit for the first time on the date. Umbro are the manufacturers of the kit which will feature no sponsor, unlike previous years.

KIT REVEAL

A closer look at the new Ireland home kit#BackToUmbro | #COYBIG | #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/D9Qcgc8xfc

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) OCTOBER 29, 2020

There are no real surprises in terms of team selection for both nations. All players called up have played or been in included in previous squads. Here are the England and Ireland squads for the fixture:

Republic of Ireland: Darren Randolph (West Ham United), Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth); Séamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Shane Duffy (Celtic, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion); Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), James McCarthy (Crystal Palace), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion), Robbie Brady (Burnley); Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers).

England: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley), Dean Henderson (Manchester United; Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Atlético Madrid), Reece James (Chelsea), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Arsenal), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Michael Keane (Everton), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Conor Coady (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur); Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham United), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton), Harry Winks (Tottenham Hotspur); Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Tammy Abraham (Chelsea).

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