Soccer – North West Players On International Duty

A number of North West players have been representing the Republic of Ireland at different age levels this weekend.
On Friday afternoon Gortahork’s Joe Coll was in goals for the Irish under17 side in Greece. The Manchester United stopper impressed with some fine saves in the 1-1 draw with the Greeks. On Friday night   Ballybofey’s Johnny Dunleavy and Derry’s Shane Duffy came on in the second half of the Republic’s under21 2-0  friendly defeat against Portugal. Wolves defender Dunleavy came on to play the last 23 minutes while Duffy who this week went on loan to Burnley from Everton played all of the second half.
The Republic of Ireland seniors play Macedonia on Saturday evening in Dublin in a European Championship qualifier. Derry’s Darren Gibson has been named to start at midfield. There was disappointment for Killybegs Seamus Coleman this week when the Everton defender had to pull out of the squad with an ankle injury.