NORTHERN Ireland Schoolboys return to Springfield Stadium twice next week as they prepare to face St Paul’s Under-18s on Monday night, before taking on a JFA select XI on Wednesday evening competing for the Frankie Wilson Trophy.
Steve Coutanche will take charge of the Jersey squad for the midweek fixture, hoping to avenge last year’s 3-0 defeat when Northern Ireland proved too strong for both the Island’s Under-18 and Under-21 sides.
Back at the helm, Coutanche highlighted the importance of fixtures like these, describing them as vital reference points in a young player’s development. He believes such games offer a rare opportunity for players to test themselves against higher-level opposition in a genuine international setting.
Northern Ireland are expected to arrive with a squad operating at high intensity and pace, with many players already attached to professional clubs and training regularly at an elite level. Coutanche acknowledged the challenge this presents, but insists it is one his players welcome.
“These are exactly the games young players want,” he said, noting that competing against quality opposition allows individuals to benchmark themselves and better understand the standards required to progress.
Coutanche also pointed to the benefit of having consistent access to his squad throughout the season, allowing for continuity in preparation. Several Jersey players will also feature for St Paul’s Under-18s on Monday, a fixture Coutanche plans to attend as he looks to assess the visitors first-hand ahead of Wednesday’s match.
Despite the developmental focus, Coutanche was clear about Jersey’s intentions, stating: “We’re going into this to win the game,” he said. “It’s 90 minutes, 11-v-11, and we have a good group of players. I’m confident they’ll give a good account of themselves.”
Jersey’s junior meetings with Northern Ireland date back to 2005, when the Island side were narrowly beaten on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Their most recent success came in 2023, when the Under-21s claimed a 1-0 victory, with Luke Coutanche scoring the decisive goal.
St Paul’s Under-18s will be led by Chris Herlihy on Monday night, with the fixture representing his biggest test since taking charge at the start of the season.
Herlihy admitted the role initially posed challenges, inheriting a technically strong group with several players already involved in representative football. Introducing new ideas while managing personalities has been key, but the squad’s willingness to adapt has driven their progress.
“We’ve tried a new formation this year, something that doesn’t really get played in Jersey, and the lads have taken to it really well,” Herlihy said. “That, along with their desire to improve, is what’s driven our season.”
Many of the squad have gained experience in senior football from a young age, something Herlihy believes will be invaluable against international opposition.
Looking ahead, he described the fixture as a rare and exciting challenge. “They don’t know who they’re coming up against, so they’ll have to adapt,” he said. “They’ve got a point to prove and they’re really up for it.”
Preparation, Herlihy added, has focused heavily on tactical detail, structure and decision-making. “For this, we have to be very specific.”
Simon Nicks, the N.I. Manager, echoed Coutanche and Herlihy’s excitement, stating: ”The NI U18 Schoolboys Squad are looking forward to their annual trip to Jersey as part of their preparations for this year’s Centenary Shield competition. The 2025 squad finished the defence of the shield in the runners up spot narrowly missing out on retaining the title by a point.
“NISFA are grateful to St. Paul’s in providing opposition for the game on Monday ahead of the fixture on Wednesday at Springfield Stadium against the JFA select competing for the Frankie Wilson Trophy.
“The squad has been training for a couple of months at present and use this week in Jersey as vital time to pull the group together ahead of their first game vs Scotland at Airdrie FC at the beginning of March.”
JFA Select Squad: Afonso Freitas, Dexter Fraser, Ewan Brodie, Tom Goncalves, Alfie Queree, Sonny Cassidy, Paul Burton, Stan Dunne, Will Yates, Rory Baines, Joey O’Toole, Gabriel Medeiros, Riley Brennan, Archie Drummond, Kingsley Bennett, Harry Henderson, Stan Heynes, Alfie Young
St Paul’s Squad: Afonso Freitas, Tom Goncalves, Sonny Cassidy, Stan Dunne, Jayden Stott, Joey O’Toole, Louis Robinson, Aimar Vieira, Ewan Brodie, Joseph Gardner, Zach Thomasson, Freddie Harben, JD Dickson, Alfie Young, Martin McLaughlin, Miguel Barros, Damien Mutakwa
