Republic of Ireland under-17 manager Tom Mohan, right, during a group game being watched by the Republic’s senior manager Martin O’Neill
Aghadrumsee man Tom Mohan has guided the Republic of Ireland under-17 squad to the next stage of the European Championships.
Mohan, a respected FAI coach and development officer and his side secured the qualification with a 0-0 draw against table toppers Scotland.
The Scots topped the group on goal difference.
The group result hinged on that fixture, with the Republic needing to win to secure top place.
In the earlier games in the group the Republic defeated Gibraltar 5-0 and the Faroe Islands 4-2.
The draw for the next stage of the competition will be made in early December and the Irish team will play those games in Bulgaria in the Spring of 2015.
Mohan is delighted with the progress his young squad has made.
“When you are drawn against some of these teams people expect you to win by big scorelines, but it’s not like that any more,” said Mohan.
“But we’re pleased to be there. A lot of preparation work has gone into this squad. The fact that we had our games at home in Ireland was a good advantage, with us beating Gibraltar in Athlone, the Faro Island in Galway and drawing with Scotland in Longford.”
Tom, who is at present studyiing for his UEFA Pro Licence, explained that two teams from each group qualified for the trip to Bulgaria.
‘It has been a good tournament for us so far, especially when you consider we had four home based players on the squad. Many of our boys are in academies across the water and it takes good time and planning to get to see everyone before competition. But it worked out well this time around and hopefully we can now prepare well for Bulgaria in Spring next year.