Under15
- Tuesday November 13th, 2018 @ 21:13
McCormack Looks To Cap Off Huge Year
Republic of Ireland Under-16 midfielder Ben McCormack has had a year to remember but hopes to be part of an Ireland victory tomorrow.
The Ireland U16s are currently preparing for their second fixture in the Victory Shield, which is based in Tralee, Kerry this week.
Ireland suffered defeat in their first game against Northern Ireland and face Wales tomorrow at Mounthawk Park, with kick-off at 1pm.
McCormack was selected in Paul Osam's squad after an impressive campaign for St Patrick's Athletic in the SSE Airtricity National U15 League, where they won the League & Cup double.
"It's been a great year for me, I couldn't be happier with the way it's gone," said McCormack.
"The squad and staff at St Patrick's Athletic were brilliant all season. We targeted the double at the start of the year and to achieve it is fantastic.
"To be called up to the Ireland squad after that is a dream come true. It's every child's dream to play for their country and it was a huge moment for me and my family."
Dublin-born McCormack scored 20 goals from midfield during the 2018 season and played a starring role in Ireland's opening Victory Shield defeat against Northern Ireland.
With two tough games against Wales and Scotland coming up, McCormack hopes to be part of a winning side to cap off a memorable year in his football development.
"It'll be great to get the win tomorrow. It's what we all want to do and we've worked really hard in training towards it," McCormack continued.
"The atmosphere with the players is fantastic and the way it's all done is really professional so it's a great environment to be part of.
"I've done well this year but I need to keep going and push myself. I want to impress the coaches so I can continue to be selected in the future so I've got to keep up the hard work."
Republic of Ireland U16 Squad
Goalkeepers: Josh Keely (St Patrick's Athletic), Daniel Rose (Everton)
Defenders: Fionnan Coyle (Finn Harps), CJ Egan-Reilly (Manchester City), Oisin Hand (Shamrock Rovers), Ronan Kilkenny (Bohemians), Gavin O'Brien (Bohemians), Adam Wells (Shamrock Rovers)
Midfielders: Kailin Barlow (Sligo Rovers), Colin Conroy (Bohemians), Oran Crowe (Cork City), Jamie Doyle (St Patrick's Athletic), Lee Harkin (Tristar Boys), Ben McCormack (St Patrick's Athletic), Andrew Moran (Bray Wanderers)
Forwards: Sinclair Armstrong (Shamrock Rovers), Louie Barry (West Bromwich Albion), Oliver O'Neill (Fulham), Billy Vance (Bray Wanderers)
