ZOE GREEN AND THE Republic of Ireland Under-17s begin the UEFA European Championship first phase qualifiers tomorrow against Ukraine in Izmir at 3.30pm.
Rathmullan woman Greene plays for Lagan Harps and sufficiently impressed Dave Bell, the Irish manager, to be included in the panel that has travelled to Turkey for games against Ukraine, Andorra and Turkey.
The top two teams qualify for the Elite Round and Bell is targeting qualification in his first term as manager.
Full-back Green is a daughter of Paddy and Anne Green and has been lining out for Lagan since she was 11. This year, she played for Ireland at the Milk Cup and featured in two friendly games against Scotland, which formed part of the preparation for this week’s games.
“If the girls can implement some of the things that we’ve worked on in training we should have a chance,” manager Bel said.
“But all I’m asking is for them to play as best as they can and to really push themselves.
“Ukraine in our first game is going to be a difficult task and if we can get over that hurdle then I would be quietly confident that we can qualify. But it’s going to be a tough game so we have to be switched on for it.”
Ireland face Andorra in Izmir on Saturday (11am) before facing Turkey in Kusadasi on Tuesday (3.30pm).
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