Norwich City will supply three Academy youngsters to the Republic of Ireland squad attempting to qualify for the U17 European Championships. Strikers Kurtis Byrne and Kris Renton - a Scottish-born striker who qualifies through his grandparents - and full-back Matthew Gareth will travel to Azerbaijan later this month for a round-robin qualifying campaign when they will face their hosts as well as Denmark and Latvia in a 10-day trip, with the group winners going on to the elite qualifying round in November.

Norwich City will supply three Academy youngsters to the Republic of Ireland squad attempting to qualify for the U17 European Championships.

Strikers Kurtis Byrne and Kris Renton - a Scottish-born striker who qualifies through his grandparents - and full-back Matthew Gareth will travel to Azerbaijan later this month for a round-robin qualifying campaign when they will face their hosts as well as Denmark and Latvia in a 10-day trip, with the group winners going on to the elite qualifying round in November. The finals are scheduled for Belgium next May.

The call-ups mean the three youngsters will miss two Academy fixtures against Crystal Palace and West Ham, with them leaving for the qualifying stages on September 19.

But Academy manager Ricky Martin said the personal development of his young stars took precedence.

“It's a good standard for the boys to play at and they are representing the Academy by being called-up for their country,” he said.

“Three boys called up from one group is a great achievement. It also puts a bit more pressure on the rest of the team to fulfil their league matches without these boys. But their development is important.

“From an individual point of view it's important the boys get international experience. They will be up against some of the best players in Europe in their age group.”

Last season City defender Michael Spillane represented the Republic in the same competition.