Marc Walsh named in Republic of Ireland starting XI in Turkey

GWEEDORE CELTIC’S MARC WALSH has been named in the starting line-up for the Republic of Ireland Under-15’s game against Netherlands this morning.

Colin O’Brien’s team face the Dutch at the Emirhan Sports Complex at 10am Irish time.

Ireland are in Turkey for an invitational tournament that includes Netherlands, Turkey and Austria. On Thursday, Ireland face Turkey and take on Austria on Saturday.

First up is the Netherlands and Walsh, who hails from Loughanure, has been handed a starting berth by O’Brien.

Picture caption: Marc Walsh with his friend Shane Boyle.

“The players are all ready to go and looking forward to playing against a top class Dutch side,” said O’Brien.

“The Netherlands will be high quality opponents, which is what we want at this level. We’ve played good games against them before at this age group and the boys are prepared for it and anticipating a serious test.”

Walsh played in two games against Poland in November and scored in a 3-1 win. Ireland lost the other game 2-1.

O’Brien said: “They were two good outings against the Poles. The players acquitted themselves well but looking through those games we felt there were a few areas we wanted to improve upon.”