The Republic of Ireland will play Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the Ivory Coast at the World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates in March.
Newly appointed senior manager Brian Kerr guided the under-20s to success in a prestigious four nation tournament in the UAE last week but will not travel to the finals.
Senior coach Noel O'Reilly will accompany his former charges at the start of the tournament before returning to assist Kerr with preparations for Ireland's Euro 2004 qualifier away to Georgia on March 29th.
Both Mexico and Saudi Arabia are familiar opponents. Ireland were pitted against both at the 1999 World Championships in Nigeria. Kerr's youngsters toppled Saudi Arabia 2-0 but crashed 1-0 to the Mexicans.
Ireland kick-off their group campaign against Saudi Arabia on March 27th. Three days later they face the Ivory Coast before seeking revenge against Mexico on April 2nd. All three games will be played in Al-Ain.
The FAI are expected to appoint a new youth team manager before the 24-nation tournament starts.
Champions Argentina have been drawn in Group B with Spain, Uzbekistan and Mali.
Kerr, meanwhile, will name his squad for the upcoming senior friendly with Scotland at a press conference this Friday in Jurys Hotel, Ballsbridge.
World Youth Championships, UAE March 25th - April 16th
Group A: United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Panama, Burkina Faso
Group B: Argentina, Spain, Uzbekistan, Mali
Group C: Brazil, Canada, Czech Rep, Australia
Group D: Colombia, Egypt, Japan, England
Group E: Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Mexico, Ivory Coast
Group F: Paraguay, USA, Korea Republic, Germany