Ireland boss hopes to head off World Cup club v country row
Ireland Under-17 head coach Colin O'Brien says he will be 'in communication' with clubs over the coming months in a bid to bring as strong a squad as possible to the World Cup in November.
Several members of his latest squad are currently playing senior football in the League of Ireland, including Shamrock Rovers duo Michael Noonan and Victor Ozhianvuna.
Rovers are in League of Ireland action until November 1, with the FAI Cup taking place a week later. And last year they were still in Europe going into November and December.
With the World Cup falling outside of an official FIFA international window - O'Brien will have to rely on the goodwill of club managers to release their players for the tournament.
'It's one we've got to manage and just watch as time unfolds over the summer,' said O'Brien.
'Certain teams might have leagues wrapped up, might be in or out of cups, but look, the World Cup, you want your best players.
'What an opportunity to showcase individuals from our clubs in this country as well. For me, you won't get a better stage for young players.
But it's something I'm very aware of and I will be in communication with clubs. At the end of the day, the players are contracted to the clubs. But we'll want our best players for the World Cup.
'Hopefully when you're asking me that question in late September, early October, we have more clarity on it.'
O'Brien hopes club bosses see the bigger picture when it comes to the World Cup.
'It's historic for this age group, absolutely,' he said, of Ireland's first ever qualification at this level.
'I saw those teams that qualified under Brian Kerr and got to those World Cups, and it can really absolutely kick a player's career on.
'They are on the world stage. You are going to have every confederation, every scout, not just from Europe but from all over the world, looking at all these kids, and we are right in there.
'Of course it can have a bounce for the players, for their career. But as a head coach you have to make sure that it is very important about their player development.
'But any player that comes into our Under-17 set up has to understand that the team is the biggest star, and they all have to come on board with that.
'Of course the player can get a big bounce for their future, and the country as a whole.'
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