Republic of Ireland Under-19s manager Paul Doolin claims Watford forward Connor Smith has told him he is too tired to travel with the squad for this month's European Championship elite qualifiers in Portugal.

The Irish have three games in Portugal at the end of this month as they try to win their elite qualifying group to secure a place at the main event, which is held in Estonia in early July.

Smith, who has been handed a professional contract by Watford, spent most of this season on loan at Ryman Premier side Wealdstone, where he made 22 starts and ten substitute appearances.

His Hornets team-mates Tommie Hoban and Sean Murray, who made 19 appearances for the first team this season, are in the squad.

Under-19 boss Doolin told the Irish Independent: "Connor says he's not feeling great and wouldn't be able to go. He's been on loan playing twice per week and seems to feel very tired.

"Of course it's disappointing, but it's probably for the best that he doesn't go. With only 16 outfield players in the squad, we can't carry anyone who isn't 100 per cent up for it."

Ireland Under-19s take on Portugal on May 26, Ukraine two days later and Israel on May 31.

Squad: S McDermott (Arsenal), N Burdon (Stade Rennais), M Barker (Bohemians), C Morrissey (Trieste, Italy), N Byrne (Rochdale), T Hoban (Watford), S Kavanagh (Fulham), B Garmston (West Brom), S Carruthers (Aston Villa), J O'Sullivan (Blackburn Rvs), S Murray (Watford), F Sutherland (QPR), D Williams (Aston Villa), M Drennan (Aston Villa), A Forde (Wolves), A O'Brien (Millwall), G Smith (Southend).