First up for the Girls in Green is a game against Portugal on Tuesday, with a clash with the Netherlands to come later in the week.
The chance to play two sides who will also be in Elite Phase action is the perfect preparation and an opportunity Connell says he couldn’t let slip by.
‘It’s the first time we’ve had the opportunity to play games against teams of this calibre at this time of the year so it was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down.
‘Portugal and the Netherlands will be ideal preparation for the Elite Phase games in April. They both have a similar style to what we’ll come up against,’ said Connell.
Connell, who is aiming to guide a third different women's team to a UEFA finals tournament, is relishing tomorrow’s challenge, and the chance to fine-tune his squad ahead of the Elite Phase opener against Scotland.
‘Games against Portugal are always close. They are are strong, technical team and it will be a decent test for us,’ he added.
Playing time for as many of the squad as possible is a priority with two games in close succession, as the Ireland head coach aims to give his players the chance to impress.
‘We are accutely aware it’s just the start of pre-season for the majority of our players, so it will be a good chance for us to use our squad as a whole,’ Connell concluded.
Portugal WU19 v Republic of Ireland WU19 - Kick-off 2pm.