Ireland set for Euro U17 quarter-final against Spain

Ireland head into their UEFA European Under-17 Championship Quarter-Final clash with Spain following back-to-back wins in Group A.

There is no fear in the Ireland camp ahead of Saturday’s Euro Under-17 quarter-final with Spain.

The 4-2 win over Hungary on Tuesday confirmed their spot in the last eight. Spain topped their group with two wins and a draw.

"The players have shown tremendous quality to come back from defeat in the opening game against Poland” said head coach Colin O'Brien.

“We were determined we weren't going to let that result define us. It was one game and when the stakes were at their highest in the next two games, by God they produced”.

"We treated those two games like cup games and we have another tomorrow against Spain. I'm very proud of the players and they're a credit to all their coaches and their families."

O’Brien revealed, Ireland have no serious injury concerns ahead of the match.

"Getting Spain is amazing” explained forward Mason Melia. “People may look at it like 'oh, it's Ireland v Spain' but anything can happen in tournament football”.

“I think we have a good chance, a great team, but it's an amazing opportunity to play against the likes of Spain” added Melia.

Should Ireland navigate a way past the nine-time competition winners, will secure not only a spot in the semi-finals but a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup.

Each of Ireland’s scorers in the competition currently play in the EA SPORTS LOI Academy. While, Three players are tied on two goals each; Luke Kehir (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Mason Melia (St. Patrick’s Athletic) and Ike Orazi (Shamrock Rovers).

Should the game end in a draw after 90 minutes it will go straight to penalties.

Ireland Under-17 Squad

Goalkeepers: Joe Collins (Bohemians), Jason Healy (Waterford).

Defenders: Stanley Ashbee (Hull City), Daniel Babb (UCD), Jake Grante (Crystal Palace), Kaylem Harnett (Wexford FC), Cory O’Sullivan (Shamrock Rovers), Ade Solanke (Shamrock Rovers).

Midfielders: Romeo Akachukwu (Waterford), Rhys Bartley (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Luke Kehir (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Matthew Moore (Cork City), Danny McGrath (Bohemians), Taylor Mooney (Bohemians), Freddie Turley (Shamrock Rovers).

Forwards: Mason Melia (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Matthew Murray (Cork City), Ike Orazi (Shamrock Rovers), Nickson Oksoun (Bohemians), Naj Razi (Shamrock Rovers).