Rovers’ McGinty and Keaney named in Ireland U18 squad

TWO Sligo Rovers players have been included in Head Coach Jim Crawford’s Republic of Ireland U18 squad for the upcoming Slovakia Cup tournament,

Goalkeeper Edward McGinty and Jack Keaney, who are both from Donegal, have been named in the Republic of Ireland side as they prepare for the eight- team tournament which is taking place this month.

The team’s first game was held yesterday versus Czech Republic, while the next fixture sees them take on Russia today.

The following game is against Turkey on Thursday, with a classification game on Friday.

Crawford said the tournament in Slovakia is an ideal opportunity for these young players to impress. He added: “I see this as a tournament that will give an opportunity to those players who haven’t been involved before to show myself and Tom Mohan where they’re at presently. It is also pleasing that we’ve a few more homebased players involved including Alec Byrne, Dean Dillon, James McSweeney and Jack Keaney who’ve been playing very well at their clubs recently to represent themselves, their clubs and the league at this tournament.”

Sligo Rovers congratulated McGinty and Keaney after the team announcement last Wednesday. The club tweeted: “Rovers have two players in the @ FAIreland u- 18 squad for next weeks’ Slovakia Cup, good luck to @ EdwardMcGinty99 and @ jackkeaney1 # bitored.”