Ireland U18 vs Netherlands U18 - Friendlies

Ireland U18 prepare to host Netherlands U18 at the home ground on October 3, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Friendlies season. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

There is little to choose between Ireland U18 and Netherlands U18 on paper, and the Friendlies encounter should reflect that balance. Ireland U18 will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. But Fuseini's equaliser leaves Burnley winless and bottom of the Championship, having failed to gain three points from a match Hayen had described beforehand as "must-win".

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Ireland U18 may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Netherlands U18 have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. But it was a dual role for Rayo because he was also among the top dozen players for blocking crosses and winning possession in the defensive third.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman Son Heung-Min, whose 4 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. However, the Scotland striker has not hit the ground running in Govan and was on the bench for the 5-1 home League Cup win over St Mirren on Sunday, with midfielder Nico Raskin taking the armband.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.