Jack on Republic team for Northern Ireland test

THE Republic of Ireland Under 18s travel to Belfast to take on joint table toppers Northern Ireland in their penultimate outing of the season in the SAFIB Centenary Shield which takes place in Queens University tomorrow evening (Thursday, April 18) at 6 p.m.

The only change to the Republic's side is the return of Jack O’Connor of St. Louis Community School in Kiltimagh.

Jack was capped against Scotland last month and will look forward to re-joining his team-mates for the penultimate test.

O'Connor, who plays with Sligo Rovers, honed his talents as a younger player with Kiltimagh Knock United.

The side have earned one point in their two outings to date with a share of the spoils away to Scotland, which ended one apiece, and then a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to England last Friday evening in Dalymount Park.

However, the Republic of Ireland could take a share of the Shield if they are to win both their remaining games which will see them entertain Wales on Thursday evening (April 25 at 7 p.m.) in Home Farm FC in the final game of the 2019 Shield schedule.

Northern Ireland are level with England in the group table at the moment as they have secured seven points in three games. The Northern outfit had slender 1-0 victories over Scotland and Wales and a goalless draw with England early this month.