Colin O'Brien already sees Jaden Umeh improvements since Benfica move
Jaden Umeh has massively improved his game since joining Benfica, according to his Ireland manager.
The powerful winger played 15 times in Cork City's promotion-winning season before joining the Portuguese giants last summer.
His career path is being managed carefully by the club coached this season by former Wolves manager Bruno Lage and led by departing World Cup winner Ángel Di María.
Umeh only turned 17 in March but by avoiding UK Brexit restrictions has got a headstart on some of his peers.
His performances for his country – bagging braces against Poland and Iceland in the March Euro qualifiers – secured Ireland their first ever qualification for the World Cup.
They have been drawn against Paraguay, Uzbekistan and Panama in the 48-team extravaganza kicking off in Qatar on November 4.
Umeh – whose older brother Franco is part of Crystal Palace's first team squad – was yesterday named in the squad for next week's friendlies against Norway, Türkiye and mini-group hosts Croatia.
All opponents will be a year older, a specific request made by manager Colin O'Brien to prepare them for the rigours later in the year.
His fellow Leesider Umeh is one player he feels is physically and tactically elevating to become equipped for the big time.
'Jaden is a great example, having joined a big club like Benfica,' the Ireland boss said.
'If we think about Portugal, the profile of attacking players, full-backs and wingers, he's got big challenges. They're big on creative players in wide areas.
'For him to be getting up every morning and going into that environment with coaches and teammates, I can see the improvements since he moved over.
'There are certain details in his game that have massively improved. They had a big impact for us internationally.
'He's matured, which can be a big challenge for a young boy who has gone away. He's just rolled into the international side of things with that spirit and personality of his.
'So far, from the second half of the second half of the season, has been really progressive.'
Ireland will have further friendlies in September and October, with the plan to stage a training camp and final warm-up game abroad a week prior to the tournament.
All of those are international windows, meaning clubs are obligated to release players for their countries, but the tournament sits outside the timeframe.
Should, for instance, Shamrock Rovers reach the FAI Cup final on November 9, there could be question marks over the availability of Victor Ozhianvuna and Michael Noonan.
'I've encountered plenty of tricky situations in this role,' said O'Brien who had managed Ireland at four European Championship finals.
'It's one we've got to manage and just watch as time unfolds over the summer. Certain teams might have leagues wrapped up, might be in or out of cups, but for the World Cup you want your best players.
'What an opportunity it is for them to showcase individuals from our clubs in Ireland 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. The players are contracted to the clubs.
'Hopefully when I'm being asked that question in late September, early October, we have more clarity on it.'
Ireland U17s squad for friendlies in Croatia:
Goalkeepers: George Moloney (Southampton), Alex Noonan (Shamrock Rovers).
Defenders: Ryan Butler (Wexford), Josh Cullen (Finn Harps), Aidan Gabbidon (Malmö FF), Max Kovalevskis (Shamrock Rovers), Vincent Leonard (Dundalk), Oisin McDonagh (Venezia), Sean Spaight (Dundalk), Finn Sherlock (TSG Hoffenheim).
Midfielders: Rory Finneran (Newcastle United), Gavin McAteer (Finn Harps), Kian McMahon Brown (Burnley), Victor Ozhianvuna (Shamrock Rovers).
Forwards: Charles Akinrintoyo (Shamrock Rovers), Billy Hayes (St. Patrick's Athletic), Brody Lee (Shamrock Rovers), Michael Noonan (Shamrock Rovers), Cillian Tollett (Galway United), Jaden Umeh (Benfica).
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