Nine locals in Kerr squad

Republic of Ireland youth-team manager Brian Kerr yesterday named nine players who won European Championship medals this summer in his squad for next month's UEFA under-18 qualifying tournament in Dublin.

Joseph Murphy, Shaun Byrne, David McMahon and Graham Barrett from the under-16 side which won in Scotland are promoted to join Dean Delaney, Gary Doherty, Ger Crossley, Richie Partridge and Jason Gavin who were part of the squad which won the under-18 title in Cyprus.

Ireland meet Cyprus, Poland and Russia in a bid to reach the finals, to defend the honours they won in July, in a four-team tournament from October 5th-9th.

Only the winners progress to meet a very strong Northern Ireland team in a play-off to decide who qualifies for the finals which are scheduled for Sweden next July.

Four players have been selected for the first time at this level - Kevin Doherty, Padraig Drew, Conor O'Grady and McMahon, who has been brought up from the under-16s.

"We've a bit of work to do and it's going to be a huge task for us to get through this group," he said. "Physically, we weren't right against England and I've tried to alter that by bringing in some stronger players like McMahon, though we still have a good mix of small skilful players as well.

Kerr has also included five National League players, the most he's ever picked. But he was quick to stress that they are there on merit.

Ireland start the defence of their title against Cyprus at Tolka Park on Monday week, October 5th. They play Poland at Richmond Park (7th) and Russia (9th)at Tolka Park.

The FAI are giving away 2,000 schoolboy tickets for all of Ireland's games but they must be collected from Merrion Square. Adult admission is £5.

Under-18 Squad: D Delaney (Everton), J Murphy (Tranmere Rovers), D Geary (Sheffield Wednesday), J Gavin (Middlesbrough), P Mur- phy (Blackburn Rovers), J Frost (Waterford United), K Doherty (Liverpool), G O'Halloran (Cork City), S Byrne (West Ham United), C Healy (Celtic), P Drew (Home Farm Everton), G Crossley (Celtic), D McMahon (Newcastle United), R Partridge (Liverpool), R Baker (Shelbourne), C O'Grady (Sligo Rovers), G Doherty (Luton Town), G Barrett (Arsenal).