Monday 02 Mar 2015

Ni U18 Squad Named For England

There is a wealth of experience in the squad, as six players including Coleraine centre back Lyndon Kane all played for last year's Under 18 team which finished as runners up in the Centenary Shield, while several other players have been capped at Under 17 level.  That experience will be vital against a strong England side which will be determined to retain the Centenary Shield.

Frankie Wilson shared his views on the upcoming fixture and stated “I am really looking forward to the game, especially after last year’s narrow defeat in the Centenary Shield. Once again we will start as massive underdogs in this David and Goliath battle but we are excited to embrace the challenge. Conor and I have worked tirelessly to accumulate a squad since early October and we feel we can cope with the demands of the competition.”

Conor Marlin commented “This is a tough start to our Centenary Shield campaign. England were worthy winners last year and it is up to us to try and beat the favourites. We have some excellent players, some of which have already gained senior Irish League experience. It was a difficult job to try and whittle the squad to just 18 players but I know the boys selected are eager and ready for the battle against the English. Success in the opening games would help us greatly in our quest to regain the championship.”

Northern Ireland U18 Schoolboys have an excellent record on English soil.  In eight meetings between the sides, the English have only been successful twice.  Two years ago the game ended in a 1-1 draw in Plymouth while before that, Northern Ireland came out on top 2-0 at Telford and 1-0 at Macclesfield.

Northern Ireland also have an impressive record in the Centenary Shield, winning it four times outright (1996, 1998, 1999, 2013) and sharing another three titles (2005, 2009, 2011).

Following the game at Eastleigh, Northern Ireland will host the Republic of Ireland at Ferney Park Ballinamallard on St Patrick's Day, kick off 5.00 pm.

The Northern Ireland Schools’ Football Association is offering free entrance to any school or youth group wishing to attend the home game against the Republic of Ireland at Ballinamallard.  Any group wishing to gain free entrance should send their details by email to Edwin Ferris, NISFA Treasurer, at edwinferris@yahoo.co.uk to obtain a group permit.