If they go all the way, it will be next Tuesday before Kane Ferdinand returns to the UK
Great as it is to see a hard fought for goalless draw with hosts Romania in Berceni keep the Republic of Ireland in the under-19 European Championships, worried Shrimpers supporters will be concerned that the young midfielder may not be training with his team mates until just a few days before the opening game with Hereford a week on Saturday.
Then again if he doesn't see any match action, Kane remained on the bench today and has only seen thirty minutes and the last five of the two previous group games, there's little chance of him getting injured!
For now, congrats to Ferdy and the boys in green, where the stalemate was enough with Greece beaten 1-0 by the Czech Republic in group A's other game.
After a 2-1 win over the Greeks in their first match and defeat to the Czechs by the same score, the Irish qualify in second place behind the latter on four points.
In Group B the Spanish and Serbia got through with the strong favourites Spain facing Kane's team on Friday, while the last four will be completed with the Czech Republic taking on the Serbs the same day.
Anthony O’Connor did have the ball in the Romanian net in the second half, but the defenders goal was rightly ruled out for offside.
FAI president Paddy McCaul said: "I would like to congratulate Paul (manager Doolin) and the players who continue to do our country proud at the Uefa Championship finals. We will all be firmly behind them once again for the semi-final against Spain on Friday."
S24 wishes Kane and the rest of the Irish squad the best of luck in what will be a very tough game for them.
Rep. of Ireland Under-19's: Aaron McCarey, Matt Doherty, John Egan, Anthony O'Connor, Jeff Hendrick, Samir Carruthers (Eoin Wearen 74), John O'Sullivan, Conor Murphy (Connor Smith 64), Anthony Forde, Sean Murray (Kevin Knight 56), Joe Shaughnessy
Sub not used: Sean McDermott, Derrick Williams, Kane Ferdinand, Declan Walker.
A full match report here: www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101928:irish-u19s-qualify-for-semi-finals&catid=4:under-19&Itemid=12
The Tournament so far: www.uefa.com/under19/index.html
Remaining Schedule:
| Fri 29 July | Semi-final | tbc | Mogosoaia | 17.45 |
| Fri 29 July | Semi-final | tbc | Chiajna | 19.45 |
| Mon 1 Aug | Final | tbc | Chiajna | 19.00 |