Tuffey Makes U19's Squad
Last updated : 09 July 2005 By Covsupport
Jonny Tuffey has made it into the Northern Ireland U19 squad for the U19 European Championship in Belfast. It has come as no surprise to those who saw the City Academy keeper help steer Brian Borrows side to the Academy League title and Northern Ireland boss Mel Donaghy has made the eighteen year old, his number one keeper.
Kev Monks who has watched Tuffey progress over the last two years said: "Having the services of goalkeeping coach Seamus McDonagh has improved all the goalkeepers at the club and Jonny is no exception. "He is a talented keeper who has progressed well and I'm sure he will shine in this tournament as well as for the Sky Blues this season."
One City player not so lucky was Academy striker Paul McCrink who missed out despite a good scoring record for the Sky Blues.
Leaving McCrink and others out of the squad was not an easy decision for Donaghy who told the IrishFA.com: “Choosing the final squad to take part in the Championships was one of toughest things I have ever had to do during my time in football,” said the former Luton Town player.
“It was an unpleasant job to have to tell players they would not be part of the panel, however it is part and parcel of the game and although there were some very disappointed young lads at the end of the day I can only name 18.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the young players in my panel to show what they can do. “Lawrie Sanchez will be attending all of Northern Ireland’s group games and if the lads can show the national team manager, and everyone else, exactly what they are capable of, it could well be a major stepping stone in their professional careers.”
Monday, 18th July, 2005, Northern Ireland v. Greece Windsor Park, Belfast (7:30pm), France v. England,The Oval, Belfast (5pm) Live broadcast on Eurosport
Wednesday, 20th July, 2005, Armenia v. England The Showgrounds, Ballymena (7pm). Northern Ireland v. Serbia & Montenegro The Showgrounds, Newry (7pm)
Saturday, 23rd July, 2005 Germany v. Northern Ireland The Showgrounds, Ballymena (5pm) Live broadcast on Eurosport. England v. Norway The Showgrounds, Newry (7pm) Live broadcast on Eurosport
Semi-finals - Tuesday, 26th July, 2005
The Showgrounds, Ballymena (7:30pm) Live broadcast on Eurosport
Mourneview Park, Lurgan (4:30pm) Live broadcast on Eurosport
Final - Friday, 29th July, 2005 Windsor Park, Belfast (7pm) Live broadcast on Eurosport
