Ireland among the favourites

It isn't often that an Irish football team goes to a major international tournament as one of the favourites to win it, but that's the scenario with Brian Kerr's Republic of Ireland youth as they prepare for tomorrow's opening match against France in the European Youth Championship in Hafnarfjordur, Iceland.

That fact speaks volumes for Kerr's coaching talents as he and his assistant, Noel O'Reilly, have been in charge for only six months. It also a tribute to the hundreds of schoolboy coaches across the country who deserve credit for nurturing these players from an early age.

The unexpected success of the under-20 squad at the World Championships in Malaysia a month ago has suddenly brought it to the public's attention that Ireland can produce highly-talented young footballers. And it can produce them in numbers after a stifling decade under Charlton when creative, attacking football was frowned upon and our young players' skills were compromised by being told to "play it long" just like the senior team. And that tells a story in itself. It is perhaps no coincidence that the last time an Irish youth team, playing with skill and flair, aroused such interest was some 12 years ago when they qualified for UEFA and World Cup Finals under Liam Tuohy. Kerr and O'Reilly were his coaching staff.

Now, with the baggage of Malaysia on board, Kerr is cautiously optimistic of his side's chances at these finals.

"Having beaten Norway so well in the play-off and with the feel-good factor from Malaysia there as well, there would be a large amount of confidence running through the squad," said Kerr.

"We are also very confident of our own ability. But you never know what to expect in underage football.

"The first match against France will be crucial with just the group winners qualifying for the final."

The draw has been relatively kind to Ireland who are in Group B with expected main threat France and also Switzerland and dark horses Israel.

Crucially, however, Spain and Portugal, who comprise Group A with hosts Iceland and Hungary, have been avoided, for the moment at least.

The talent in the 16-member Irish squad is underlined by the fact that no fewer than nine have first-team experience with their respective clubs, four in the English Premiership - which is more than the squad of 18 players who travelled to Malaysia had.

There is great excitement about the future for the such players as the gifted left-footer Damien Duff and Stephen McPhail.

Richard Dunne, Everton's giant central defender, will captain the side in the absence of injured Alan Maybury who was withdrawn by Leeds United last week.