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Benfica teenager's big chance to impress Heimir Hallgrimsson

He was one of nine uncapped players named in Heimir Hallgrimssons experimental 21-man squad

[Jaden Umeh ]

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Jaden Umeh (Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Benfica starlet Jaden Umeh has been urged to shine as Ireland begin preparations for Euro 2028.

The Cork teenager was one of nine uncapped players named in Heimir Hallgrimssons experimental 21-man squad on Tuesday.

The Boys in Green are heading to Spain for a warm-weather training camp before a friendly against Grenada in Murcia on May 16.

And Hallgrimsson said of Umeh: Were giving him a chance to show what he can do. His talent is for everyone to see. Is he ready for the first team? Its up to him to show us. Were looking at young players who havent got a cap yet. Hopefully one or two or three will shine and be in consideration for the next squad and then the next one.

As the Grenada game falls outside the FIFA window, clubs dont have to release players so Hallgrimsson was restricted to picking those who are already out of season.

That ruled out the majority of his established squad members, including players involved in upcoming play-off games like Finn Azaz.

Ireland regulars Dara OShea, Jayson Molumby, Jason Knight, Chiedozie Ogbene and Adam Idah are included as the senior men for this camp.

But Robbie Brady, Harvey Vale, Jack Taylor, Sammie Szmodics, JImmy Dunne, Bosun Lawal and Gavin Bazunu miss out with injuries.

Ireland underage ace Umeh, 18, is the only player selected still in season but is not in Benficas first-team, so the Portuguese giants are releasing him for Spain. Goalkeeper Killian Cahill, defenders Eiran Cashin, Tayo Adaramola and Joel Bagan, midfielder Jack Moylan, and forward Aidomo Emakhu join Umeh as first-time call-ups.

Umeh, who can play on the wing and up front, starred for Ireland at the U17 World Cup in Qatar late last year and was recently promoted to Jim Crawfords U21 team.

And Crawford will be in Spain to assist Hallgrimsson and John OShea for the Spanish camp and Grenada game as regular Ireland coach Paddy McCarthy is still in season with Crystal Palace.

Bar maybe a handful of players, Hallgrimsson will name an entirely different squad for the May 28 friendly with Qatar in Dublin and the clash away to Canada on June 6.

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