BRIAN KERR is on the verge of his first success as Irish youths team manager. His under 18 side are just 90 minutes away from qualifying for the UEFA finals in Iceland in July. They meet Norway at Tolka Park in tonight's play off second leg (kick off 7.30) having come from behind to hold a 2-1 lead from the first game in Bergen two weeks ago.
Kerr has lost both Thomas Heery, of Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace's Anthony Folan, who withdrew injured on Friday, but has called up midfielder Stephen McPhail and defender Damien Lynch, both fresh from Leeds United's English Youths Cup win last week.
Crucially, however, Everton defender Richard Dunne is unavailable as he's gone on an end of season tour with his club, to the disappointment of Kerr. "Although believe he may have an injury, we've heard nothing officially from the player or Everton which isn't very satisfactory," said Kerr.
Kerr, who has been unhappy with his goalkeeping options, has called up two new goalkeepers, James Gallagher, who played in Celtic's dramatic 3-2 defeat of Rangers in the Scottish Youths Cup final win last week, and Pat Holden of Evergreen, Kilkenny.
"It should be to our advantage that they have to come and win the game," said Kerr. "But if we play as well as I know we can we should have enough ability to win the game, but with young players you never know what to expect."
All children under 16, accompanied by an adult, will be admitted to the match free.
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