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The new players are: Dermot McVeigh (Linfield); Chris Curran (Manchester United); Eunan O'Kane (Maiden City Academy); James Lawrie (Port Vale); and Kenny Keys (Stoke City).

Irishfa.com got an exclusive interview with one of the newcomers, Fermanagh lad Chris Curran who moves to Manchester United in a few months. 

How do you feel about making your competitive U17 debut?

I am a bit nervous about it but I’m excited about the prospect of playing in the U17 squad.  At this level it gets a bit more professional and more competitive but I think I can keep up to pace with it all and I’m looking forward to just getting out and playing a match. 

How did your football career develop?

I played two years for the U16 school boys which greatly improved my development.  I played a year ahead of myself within the 1990 year group, even though I was only in the 1991 year group which helped me a lot as a player, especially this year because it gave me extra experience.

How did you get involved in football?

It was all pretty sudden.  I only started playing football properly at the age of 14 which is quite late for some.  I started with Ballinamallard United and connections with the club lead me to Newcastle.  Then I got involved with the Northern Ireland school boys in September 2005 and everything just picked up from there as I was scouted by Manchester United when I played in the Victory Shield.  I start with Manchester United on 9 July and will be moving over just before that and sharing digs with Craig Cathcart and Corey Evans. 

Who is the most talented player on the U17 squad?

To me, Corey is the best player on the team at the moment, being an all-round great player really helps the squad.  He can tackle and attack as well as being an excellent passer with great vision.

Dates for the elite stage of the tournament hosted by Portugal are as follows:

NI v Iceland - 19 March; NI v Russia - 21 March; NI v Portugal - 24 March.

The elite stage group fixtures will be played as one-venue mini-tournaments this month.  Only the first-placed sides will compete in Belgium alongside the hosts from 2-13 May 2007.  Along with the European title, the tournament will also carry five places in the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup, played in Korea Republic from 18 August-9 September.