Paul Doolin has been named the manager of the Republic of Ireland Under-23 team.

The former Cork City, Drogheda United and UCD manager will take the reins for the International Challenge Trophy against England and Estonia in Group B of the tournament.

Paul Doolin Ireland Under-23 Manager

Ireland's first game is against England and will take place on Wednesday 26 May 2010 at the RSC in Waterford.  Ireland's only other game in the group stages will be played in September in Estonia.  Doolin will assemble his squad from players aged 23 and under from the Airtricity League.

Players who featured in the last tournament managed by Pat Fenlon include midfielder Stephen Rice, goalkeeper Barry Murphy and Bohemians trio Conor Powell, Killian Brennan and Paul Keegan.  Players who represented Ireland and have moved overseas include Conor Salmon, David Mooney and Denis Behan.

Ireland Under 23 team

Commenting on his new role Paul Doolin said "I'm delighted to be given this opportunity. To be given the chance to represent your country is always an honour and I will be delighted to manage an Irish team on the international stage. The FAI has opted to use the International Challenge Trophy to showcase the best young talent in the Airtricity League and this is a great opportunity to demonstrate the depth of young talent in the league.

"We have some really fantastic young players in the Airtricity League and the opportunity to play at this level will be extremely beneficial for them. I am really looking forward to getting a squad together and preparing them for what should be a fantastic game against England in Waterford on 26 May."

Paul Doolin and Fran Gavin, Director, Airtricity League