Young Dundalk FC duo do us proud at U17 World Cup

Young Dundalk FC defenders Vinnie Leonard and Seán Spaight returned home this week after playing their part in a landmark FIFA U17 World Cup campaign for the Republic of Ireland.

The Boys in Green finished top of Group J with seven points before narrowly edging past Canada on penalties in the Round of 32, then eventually bowing out to Switzerland in the last 16.

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Leonard was a prominent fixture at the heart of the defence as he started every match and grew into one of Colin O’Brien’s most trusted players.

Though Spaight was used more sparingly, he was a steady presence when he did come on as a substitute. Ireland started their campaign with a strong 4-1 win over Panama, where Leonard played the full 90 and Spáight featured late on.

They came from behind in their second game to claim a 2-1 victory over Asian champions Uzbekistan, and it was after that match that Leonard summed up the squad’s mentality, saying:

“It was really important we got that win against Uzbekistan because ultimately we’re through now.

“We have Paraguay and we’ll prepare for them as we prepare for any game because we’ve a chance to top the group and that will decide who we get next. That’s really important for us.

“We expect Paraguay to be aggressive, but going into any international game, we know the standard is going to be high, you don’t doubt any team, and we’re expecting a good test and the same as always is we want to win.”

(Steady as a rock... Leonard in action against Paraguay. Photo by Sportsfile)

Ireland delivered on that promise as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Paraguay to take first place in the table.

Leonard, as ever, played the full match and remained steady and assured throughout, as he collected a much-deserved Man of the Match award for his display.

Spaight was an unused substitute, but the pair were central to the focus and spirit that kept Ireland unbeaten through the group phase.

(Man of the Match... Vinnie Leonard with his deserved award)

The knockout tie with Canada brought high drama as Leonard played a long ball that split open the defence for Michael Noonan’s opener and then coolly buried his own penalty in the shootout as Ireland edged through 9-8.

Switzerland ultimately stopped the run, but Leonard still left his mark on the tournament as he reacted quickest in a crowded box to fire home Ireland’s consolation in a 3-1 defeat.

(Cool as ice... Leonard buries his penalty to the top corner against Canada. Photo by Sportsfile)

Speaking after the Switzerland game, the manager O'Brien said: “I’m massively proud of the players, it’s been an incredible season.

“Right now we’re gutted, there’s no two ways about it, we had total belief we could keep it going and that’s the mentality within every individual in the group – players and staff.

“It wasn’t to be our night, unfortunately, we’ve been knocked out, but I think when everything settles. What they’ve done for the country is incredible.

“I think the message these players have sent out has been really positive, there’s 16 players who have come through our own underage system. If we want to continue to try and get to these competitions, there’s still a lot of work to be done - believe me.

“The messages they’ve sent out to me has been bigger than football. Young people watching the games back home, especially young boys and girls, they’ve inspired the nations.

“They’re role models now, a lot of those younger people see images of Ireland that is not the Ireland I know, what they represent is the Ireland I know, and they’ve represented the flag with distinction.

“Throughout the season, in every event building up to the tournament, there’s been growth in them, both on and off the pitch.

“You couldn’t ask for any more of them. They’re a talented group, and that’s what opens up the door for you, but talent only brings you so far.

“They’ve great temperament, great humility, brilliant will power and whatever happens after here, with the group and the staff, my door will always be open to them.”