Smith goes to Greece with Ireland as young Shrimpers grab deals

Last updated : 16 March 2010 By westfield shrimpers
Teenage midfielder George Smith is part of the Republic of Ireland's Under-17 team that are playing in Greece at the moment.

Part of Southend's youth team set-up George is hoping he can help the Irish qualify for the European Championships held in Liechenstien in May, and will remain in Patras, Greece until March 25th.

Ireland are in qualifying Group Three and are set to face Austria, Finland and Greece, playing the hosts on Friday morning, Finland Sunday afternoon, and Austria next Wednesday.

The boys in green, at their age they shouldn't be celebrating St. Patrick's Day too much tomorrow, have to top their group if they want to take their place in the finals in a couple of months.

Meanwhile, Southend have offered four second year scholars extentions into a third year, they are defenders Duran Reynolds and Adetayo Osifuwa, and midfielders Marcus Milner and Merrick James-Lewis.

Striker Kyle Asante is also being considered for a deal but is out with a cruciate ligament injury at the moment while playing against Ipswich reserves.

Kyle has recently undergone sugery and could be out for up to a year.

Head of Youth Ricky Duncan told www.southendunited.co.uk: "All four are considering the offers at the moment and we expect to hear from them shortly. We need to sit down with Kyle and his family to make him an offer. It's a real blow to him to get this injury at this stage of his career so we will commit to him for the next 9-12 months to support him through his rehabilitation."