DUNDALK AND CORK City could both potentially feature in the 2016-17 Uefa Youth League, thanks to the League of Ireland clubs’ performances in European competition.
Both sides’ Under-19 panels could play in the competition if results in the Uefa Champions League playoff round go their way.
Dundalk will qualify if Stephen Kenny’s side overcome Legia Warsaw in their Champions League playoff, which would also see the Lilywhites become the first ever League of Ireland club to reach the group stages of the Champions League.
Cork could be in line to feature after lifting the SSE Airtricity U19 League title last season. Steven Bermingham’s side will qualify for the Uefa Youth League if two of Celtic, APOEL, Legia Warsaw, or Manchester City advance to the senior group stage.
Dundalk U19 manager Martin Connolly revealed that his young panel were excited by the prospect of challenging themselves against Europe’s best young talent.
“I told the team a couple of weeks ago that this could be a possibility,” Connolly said.
“They couldn’t believe it. They were star-struck with the idea. Luckily, they’re in a rich vein of form as they’re top of the league and that helps their confidence. It’s a great league which has always been competitive and it keeps getting better and better.
The U17s league has helped as we get to work with players longer and we’ll reap the rewards in the years to come.
“But, if ourselves and Cork City were able to qualify for the UEFA Youth League, it would be a great boost for the entire set-up.”
