‘They’re growing up . . . a lot of these games, it’s adult stuff ’ – Colin O’Brien’s U-17s primed for knockout test

Colin O’Brien: ‘We know the quality, but it’s also going to be a battle of your heart and mind now.’ Photo: Sportsfile

Colin O’Brien is confident his Ireland U-17 players have the street smarts and the temperament needed to deal with all that’s thrown at them in the knockout stages of the World Cup finals.

Ireland play Canada in the round of 32 in Doha today (kick-off 3.15pm Irish time, live on RTÉ Player), having topped their group in their first appearance at a world finals at U-17 level.