Irish students play catch-up, starting this week

With all their opponents having played two games already, the Republic of Ireland will be playing catch-up when they commence their Centenary Shield campaign this week.

The Irish Under 18 schools side - featuring Jack O'Connor from St. Louis Community School, Kiltimagh - go to Ayr United for a game against Scotland tomorrow (Thursday), with the hosts having already lost their two games to date.

O'Connor, who plays with Sligo Rovers, honed his talents as a younger player with Kiltimagh Knock United.

This will be the Scots' penultimate fixture and the team will want to put on a show and secure their first win in three, while the Republic of Ireland set out to defend their title.

So far it's Northern Ireland who occupy top spot in the table with two wins from two, while England and Wales each have one win and one defeat.

Both of Northern Ireland's wins, against Scotland and Wales, have been by a goal to nil. Similarly Wales beat England by a single goal, while England put two past Scotland without reply.

After the Scotland game tommorrow, the Republic of Ireland will face England at Dalymount Park, Dublin, on April 12, Northern Ireland at Queens University, Belfast, on April 18, and Wales at Home Farm FC in Whitehall, Dublin, on April 25.