Summer signing Adam McDonnell is set to win his first Republic of Ireland U18 cap when his side face Portugal in Abrantes in the first of two friendlies this afternoon.

Midfielder McDonnell, 17, joined the Blues on a two-year deal from Shelbourne close to the end of the transfer window following a trial in the summer.

The Dubliner recently made his first two appearances for the Irish U19s, adding to caps at U16, U17 and Emerging Talent levels.

Town are still waiting to receive McDonnell’s international clearance from FIFA and he is yet to appear in a competitive game for the Blues' U18s or U21s.

However, he has played in friendlies and has already trained with the first team, impressing manager Mick McCarthy, and once available is likely to come into consideration for the Blues boss’s senior squad.

The Irish youngsters take on the Portuguese in the second friendly of their trip in Bonitos on Thursday.

Republic of Ireland U18s: Matthew Connor (Waterford United), Evan Moran (West Bromwich Albion), Colm Deasy (Southampton), Anthony Dolan (Fulham), Jack Tuite (Derby County), Nathan Benson (Shamrock Rovers), Ross Taheny (Sligo Rovers), Stephen Best (Bohemians), Evan Osam (Shamrock Rovers), George Poynton (Dundalk), Kyron Farrell (Millwall), Adam McDonnell (Ipswich Town), Graham Kelly (Sheffield United), Shane Elworthy (West Bromwich Albion), Nathan Corkery (QPR), Frankie Mulhern (Leeds United), Richard Purdy (Shamrock Rovers), Troy Carey (UCD AFC), Khius Metz (Burnley).

Photo: Action Images

MaySixth added 11:47 - Dec 16 Meant to be more than useful. Any idea when his international clearance will be through?
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rfretwell added 18:10 - Dec 16 El(s)worthy and Best - those kids could go places! For younger Blues, John Elsworthy was our left half under Sir Alf and a key part of that great '61/62 title winning team. Suffolk born i believe too.
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