Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland return to the final tournament for the first time since 2008, qualifying as one of the best runners-up despite losing their last elite round match to mini-tournament hosts Poland. "It's good for football in Ireland and for the people who work on developing these players," coach Tom Mohan said. "It's great reward for the players, their clubs, their families, the FAI and grassroots football across the country. These boys have delivered."

Home-based prospect Jamie Aherne of Lucan United FC impressed by scoring twice in a 3-1 win against Belarus, Liverpool FC centre-back Conor Masterson is another important figure while Everton FC winger Steven Kinsella is also one to watch.

Qualifying round: Gibraltar 5-0, Faroe Islands 4-2, Scotland 0-0 (Group 1 runners-up)

Elite round: Greece 2-2, Belarus 3-1, Poland 0-1 (Group 4 runners-up)

Team records

Qualifying top scorer
Trevor Clarke: 4

UEFA European Under-17 Championship best
Group stage: 2008

Coach: Tom Mohan

Date of birth: 25 November 1973
Nationality: Irish
Playing career: Portadown FC, Omagh Town FC, Derry City FC, Finn Harps FC
Coaching career: Republic of Ireland U17s

An underage international with Northern Ireland, Mohan has spent most of his career in the Republic of Ireland. He made his name with Derry City − helping them to the Irish Premier Division title in 1996/97 and appearing in both first qualifying round legs against NK Maribor in the following season's UEFA Champions League − and in a seven-season stint at Finn Harps. Mohan was appointed coach of the Republic of Ireland U17s in September 2012.