Coffey in Armenia for Euro's

Barry Coffey was selected on the Republic of Ireland Under 19 squad for the European Championships in Armenia but didn't feature in their opener against Norway last Monday, which ended 1-1.

The former Ballymackey FC and Nenagh AFC schoolboy who is entering his third season with Glasgow Celtic was selected on the 20-man panel for the tournament which continues for the next two weeks in the former Soviet country.

However, because the tournament is taking place outside of a designated international window, clubs were not obliged to release their players, therefore, 13 of the 28 Irish players used in qualifying were absent, providing Coffey with an opportunity to be part of the squad, despite turning eighteen last March.

However, he wasn't selected or used from the bench in the draw with Norway which saw sixteen-year-old Joe Hodge from Manchester City rescue a point for the boys in green who now turn their attention to France this Thursday at 6.00pm, and then the Czech Republic on Sunday at 6.00pm, both games live on RTE2.