Trio included in Milk Cup squads

RORY Battersby is the only local player to be included in County Down's Premier Milk Cup squad.

Battersby captained the side as they recently recorded a momentus 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland Under-17 team at the AUL grounds in Dublin thanks to Chris Curran-Cochrane's late strike.

Midfielder Sean Morgan hit the Irish post mid-way through the match. The Republic then had a decent chance from a corner kick, but their striker failed to convert.

County Down conjured a winner with 10 minutes remaining. Jonathan Scannell put in a brave tackle to win possession and broke immediately down the left wing. Scannell then whipped in a pinpoint cross that found Curran-Cochrane, who despatched it past the keeper on the half-volley.

The Premier squad begin the tournament against League One outfit Hartlepool United FC on Monday July 26. Attention then switches to the game on Tuesday July 27 when the locals face Desportivo Brasil.

Meanwhile only Dromore goalkeeper Chris Johns and forward Matthew Geddis have been included in the Junior squad.

The Junior team recently enjoyed a successful unbeaten trip to Dublin where they played three matches against older opposition - recording a win and two draws. The management then cut the squad from 23 to 18 players in accordance with the competition rules.

They will kick-off their Milk Cup campaign against English Championship side Watford on Monday 26th July. The following day, John Bailie’s charges come face-to-face with Japan's most successful club team Kashima Antlers, who will make their debut at the 2010 Milk Cup.

The 2010 Northern Ireland Milk Cup starts with the opening parade on Sunday July 25. Matches run from Monday 26th to Friday 30th July.