Kerr plans ahead

Sligo Rovers midfielder Keith Gilroy is one of three players to receive a late call-up from Brian Kerr ahead of this evening'…

Sligo Rovers midfielder Keith Gilroy is one of three players to receive a late call-up from Brian Kerr ahead of this evening's under-16 friendly international with Belgium at United Park.

Kerr was hit by six withdrawals from his original panel of 25 over the weekend with Manchester United's David Moran, Graham Ward of Wolves and Leeds United's Larry Farren amongst those not available for selection.

Along with Gilroy, Kerr has called up Stephen Paisley of Cherry Orchard and Celtic's Andrew Kilmartin for the two game series, the second of which takes place tomorrow night at Tolka Park (both kick-offs 7.30).

The matches are a central part in the Republic's preparations for this season's European Championships.

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"Belgium will be a good test for our team as they play a neat brand of football. We have a number of new players in the squad so these two matches will provide us with an ideal opportunity to assess the talent we have." said Kerr.

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone is Work Correspondent at The Irish Times