Argentinian prospect with Derry roots added to Ireland U19s squad

An interesting call-up!

Included in the squad is Argentinian-born goalkeeper Patricio Schroeder, whose mother hails from Derry, and the same street in Kilrea as former Ireland boss Martin O'Neill.

His father met his mother in Ireland, but they moved to Argentina in 2005, shortly after Schroeder's brother, Sam, had been born on the Emerald Isle.

The 18-year-old Patricio, who plays for the Primera Division club Gimnasia's U18s side, previously stated his desire to play football in Europe and to represent Ireland.

He said: "My family go to visit Ireland every summer for a month and although I haven’t been since 2019 because of football, I love the country and have great memories of summers there.

"I want to go again soon but hopefully it will because I’m representing Ireland...

"My brother and I have already got an Irish and UK passport.

"My mom has always told us how special it is that we are Irish and we are so proud of it. Having an Irish passport opens up a lot of opportunities and I can move to Europe whenever I want.

“I want to make my family proud and play for Ireland. My grandfather and grandmother from Ireland have passed away but it would make it even nicer to know I’m doing them proud.”

Ireland Men’s Under-19 Squad:

Gill (Celtic), Schroeder (Gimnasia);

Burrell (Birmingham City), McCarthy (Shelbourne), McCormack (Manchester United), McGlinchey (Chelsea), Offor (Shelbourne), Roche (Shelbourne), Tevenan (Manchester City); 

Brennan (UCD), Kizenga (Bray Wanderers), Lynskey (Aston Villa), McEvoy (Manchester United), Moore (Hoffenheim), Sheridan (Cliftonville), Oluwabiyi (Wexford);

Murray (Cork City), Orazi (Stade Reims), Reid (Preston North End), Ring (Shelbourne).