*Barry Cotter. Photograph: Ross Halls
Ennis’ Barry Cotter has been included in Stephen Kenny’s 22 man Irish U21 squad for their European qualifier with Luxembourg.
Cotter has been impressing for Ipswich Town’s U23 side who are currently seven points clear at the top of the Professional Development League Two South table. In their last outing on Friday, they defeated Burnley 2-0 with Barry getting on the scoresheet with a clever back-heel before half-time. He is one of three Ipswich players included in the squad, the others being Corrie Ndaba and Aaron Drinan while 7 players from the League of Ireland are named.
It was Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy that handed the former Ennis Town player his first start for the Tractor Boys’ in April 2018 against Barnsley in what turned out to be McCarthy’s final game in charge of the club. He made one other appearance for the club’s first team last season having signed for them in January 2018 from Limerick FC.
Ireland are set to face Luxembourg in their first game of the campaign at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, March 24 with kick-off at 5pm. The squad announcement follows the news from the UEFA Executive Committee that the UEFA U21 European Championships finals tournament will expend from 12 teams to 16 teams. The finals are set to take place in Hungary and Slovakia in June 2021.
Republic of Ireland U21 squad v Luxembourg
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Manchester City)
Defenders: Darragh Leahy (Bohemians), Dara O’Shea (Exeter City, on loan from West Bromwich Albion), Barry Cotter (Ipswich Town), Corey Ndaba (Ipswich Town), Conor Masterson (Liverpool), Lee O’Connor (Manchester United), Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers), Liam Scales (UCD AFC)
Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (Brighton and Hove Albion), Jake Doyle Hayes (Cambridge United, on loan from Aston Villa), Connor Ronan (FC DAC 1904, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jamie Lennon (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Dan Mandroiu (Bohemians)
Attackers: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Neil Farrugia (UCD AFC), Zach Elbouzedi (Waterford), Michael O’Connor (Linfield), Simon Power (FC Dordrecht, on loan from Norwich City)
UEFA U21 European Championships Qualifiers – Fixture
24/03 – Republic of Ireland v Luxembourg, Tallaght Stadium, 5pm
