Noel King’s side contains numerous fresh faces at this level who have graduated from the U19 international set-up and the Irish Head Coach is energised for the start of a new campaign.
Ireland have also brought in Bournemouth striker Joe Quigley, Sheffield Wednesday defender Connor O’Grady, Aston Villa midfielder Ronan Hale and Derry City forward Ronan Curtis for the first time.
“Training has gone well with week. The mood is good in the camp. There’s that sense of excitement ahead of a new campaign,” said King.
“A lot of players who are with us have been here for a while and there are a few new faces too so it’s a matter of trying to gel them together to develop that sense of being a team.
“In the last campaign we used the likes of Josh Cullen, Harry Charsley, Olamide Shodipo and Connor Dimaio. We hope that they know a lot about what is required at this level now and will use that experience to guide the others.
“The players can’t wait to get started. Injuries wise all has been fine bar the loss of Jake Mulraney before the squad came together.”
Kosovo’s players are playing their first ever U21 international fixture after the nation was given UEFA and FIFA approval last year.
Looking for information on a side that has never played a game before is no easy task but King is expecting a testing encounter that his players can meet head on.
“We don’t know what we’re facing in terms of our opponent but we will treat them with the highest respect,” he added,.
“There is a great tradition of football in their country. We have to be intelligent in how we play, how we defend and attack and we will underestimate nobody.
“It’s up to everybody to prepare properly – staff and players. We’’ll have a positive mindset and will try to win the game. I hope we’ll get the support of public too as the players thrive on having a good home crowd behind them.”
FIXTURE
UEFA U21 European Championships Qualifying Round - Group 5
SATURDAY, MARCH 25: Republic of Ireland v Kosovo, Tallaght Stadium, KO 13.00