Londonderry quintet inNorthern Ireland squad

Fivesome Kealan Mulcahy, Conor McDermott, Jamie McIntyre, Ciaron Harkin and Ben Doherty are all in the squad to face the Welsh today, but Derry City winger Joshua Tracey, who played against England last week, misses out through injury.

The squad, which is managed jointly by Conor Marlin and Frankie Wilson, also has another man from the Maiden City who will be on the bench is coach Brian Donaghy.

The Institute first team coach feels players from the area are getting a great opportunity to receive an international cap.

“Six of the 18 man squad are based from the city and that’s fantastic,” he said.

“That’s a third of the squad that are based from here and if you want to go outside that there are another two from Coleraine - Lyndon Kane and Cameron Stewart. Look it’s great for the North West area that all these boys are getting selected.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for all the boys as we had 23 scouts at the England match. I think for about five of them if they don’t get clubs in England then they have been offered scholarships in America out of it and that’s huge for young boys.”

Last week’s 5-3 defeat against England at Comber severely dented Northern Ireland’s hopes of retaining the trophy but in that game and last month’s encounter against the Republic of Ireland at the Sligo Showgrounds, both McIntyre and Harkin shone.

“Jamie McIntyre has been excellent. He was man of the match against England and Harkin was man of the match against the Republic of Ireland,” said Donaghy.

Despite the defeat to England joint managers Conor Marlin and Frankie Wilson refuse to believe that the title has gone.

Former Lumen Christi College teacher Wilson said: “There is still much to play for but we will need to be on top form to overcome Wales.

“They pushed England all the way and were unfortunate to lose 2-1. Sometimes you don’t get the result that your play deserves.

“We played Scotland off the park at East Fife but had to settle for a share of the points after conceding an unlucky own goal in the final
minute.

“We will not under estimate the threat imposed by Wales.

“Seven of our squad are eligible again next season and this Centenary Shield campaign has been great experience for them.”

Marlin agreed: “England are now firm favourites to win the championship outright but if they lose to Scotland we would draw level with them by beating Wales. We would then need the Republic of Ireland to defeat Scotland at the end of April to produce a four way share of the trophy - something that has never happened before.

“It’s an outside chance but while there is still hope we will be doing our utmost to secure victory against Wales.”