Particle.news
Download on the App Store

16-Year-Old Josh O'Dwyer Added to Ireland Squad as Training Player

It signals a faster pathway for League of Ireland talent with the potential to create Ireland's youngest senior player.

Overview

  • Josh O'Dwyer flew with the Republic of Ireland travelling party to Montreal on Saturday to train with the senior squad as a designated 'training player' before rejoining the U17s.
  • Shamrock Rovers confirmed an agreement for O'Dwyer to join Red Bull Salzburg in July for an undisclosed fee and the FAI described him as a high-potential prospect.
  • If selected to play in the friendly against Canada he would become the youngest senior Ireland men's international on record, a possibility being framed carefully by the FAI and press.
  • The Canada squad reflects planned rotation with several senior players rested and replacements brought in, including goalkeepers Mark Travers and Ed McGinty and midfielder Conor Coventry, and seven home-based players in the party.
  • Off the field the FAI is facing member-driven pressure over Stop The Game protests with reports of emergency board action and manager Heimir Hallgrímsson publicly opposing a team boycott because of likely UEFA and FIFA consequences.