Exciting young Sunderland midfielder Sean Thornton has been named by Brian Kerr in the Republic of Ireland Under-20 squad for next month's World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Thornton, who garnered quite a reputation while with Tranmere Rovers, is finally getting a run in the Black Cats starting XI and has impressed despite his club remaining rooted at the bottom of the Premiership.
Former youths' boss Kerr and assistant Noel O'Reilly were largely responsible for picking the 20-strong squad that will be managed by the newly installed Gerry Smith.
Kerr said: "It's a little bit of a strange one. Myself and Noel picked the squad after consulting with Gerry because I have since moved on to the senior team, but I am delighted to be handing the team to Gerry.
"He's worked with us in the past and was in Cyprus when we won the European Championships. John McDonnell has come in as assistant manager which is good for the Association because he is an excellent coach".
One eircom League player, Bray Wanderers' Eamon Zayed, has been named in a selection that includes six Manchester City starlets.
Ireland will face Saudi Arabia, Mexico and the Ivory Coast in their opening group stage. Their first test comes against the Saudis on March 27th but Smith and Kerr are planning a number of practice matches in the UAE prior to that match.
Ireland squad: Murphy (Manchester City), Henderson (Aston Villa), Brennan (Newcastle United), Rossiter (Sunderland), Capper (Sunderland), Paisley (Manchester City), McCarthy (Manchester City), Kelly (Tottenham Hotspur), Fitzgerald (Blackburn Rovers), Ward (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Foley (Liverpool), Thornton (Sunderland), Potter (Liverpool), Whelan (Manchester City), Flood (Manchester City), Deane (Charlton Athletic), Kearney (Nottingham Forest), Daly (Stockport County), Elliott (Manchester City), Zayed (Bray Wanderers).