Mayo ace Conor Walsh starts Ireland's clash against Portugal

By Caoimhin Rowland

Former Westport United goalkeeper Conor Walsh has been named by Republic of Ireland Under-17 manager Colin O’Brien to face off against Portugal this afternoon.

Currently contracted to Sligo Rovers, where he signed his first professional contract last season. Walsh is highly-rated by the Bit O’Red coaching contingent

Getting a further opportunity to start alongside a slew of exciting Irish players named to help Ireland advance into the Under-17 European Championships group stage, after breezing past continental opposition in the preliminary qualifiers last year.

Some of those intriguing talents include Milan derby duo, Kevin Zefi and Cathal Heffernan of Inter and AC Milan respectively.

While the son of former Albanian international Rudi Vata, Rocco, starts on the wing for Ireland. Rocco Vata currently ply’s his trade with Glasgow Celtic.

Portugal stand in the way of the Irish Under 17s this afternoon, with games against Finland and Bulgaria to follow. Mayo man Walsh can count himself amongst some of the brightest and most exciting pool of players this country has developed in quite some time.

The game kicked-off at 3 p.m. from Viseu, Portugal, and can be viewed via the FAI TV youtube channel.