Republic of Ireland under-18 boss Tom Mohan claims his squad can overcome the loss of 11 players from his plans when their Under-19 European Championship finals bid begins.
Mohan is missing the likes of Tottenham’s Troy Parrott, Michael Obafemi and Will Smallbone of Southampton, along with Norwich’s Adam Idah, Stoke’s Nathan Collins and Jason Knight of Derby.
Having named his squad ahead of Monday’s opener in Armenia against Norway, Mohan said: “We’re without 11 potential players - only one of whom is injured - because this tournament falls outside a FIFA international window and clubs aren’t obliged to release their players.
“All of the players who were unavailable have been promoted to their respective senior teams at club level and we wish them the very best of luck. It’s the nature of international football that you have to react to setbacks in a very short time period in order to get results.”
Manchester United’s Lee O’Connor returns having missed the Elite Round and has been named captain while there are four Airtricity League players included.
Goalkeepers: B Maher (St Pat’s), G McMahon (Burnley).
Defenders: A Lyons (Bohs), M McGuinness (Arsenal), O McEntee (Newcastle), A Omobamidele (Norwich), J James (Unattached), K Ledwidge (Southampton), L O’Connor (Man Utd), C Brennan (Sheff Wed)
Midfielders: J Hodge (Man City), B Coffey (Celtic), N Morahan (Sligo), B Kavanagh (Shamrock R), C Grant (Sheff Wed)
Forwards: J Afolabi (Unattached), A Reghba (Leicester), T Wright (Aston V), M Everitt (Brighton), F Ebosele (Derby).
