International: Doucouré and Sorin with the U18, two former Rennes trainees with the U19

U18

Two young players, usually playing for the Stade Rennais U19 team, have been called by Pierre Mankowski for a double friendly encounter against Denmark, on 24th and 26th August.

They are defensive midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré and centre midfielder Elliot Sorin. However, versatile defender Wesley Yamnaine wasn’t selected for these games. In May, all three young men had taken part in the U17 European Championship with France, losing to England in semi-finals (2-1).

U19

Newly in charge of the France U19 squad, Philippe Bergeroo hasn’t - as usual- included any young players from Rennes in his squad. The former Rennes coach called two former members of the Academy however, to take part in the Sendaï Cup, played in Japan from September 4th to 12th: Jérémy Hélan and Lindsay Rose.

The first named was caught in the media eye at a very young age, in June 2008, at the end of his spell at the INF Clairefontaine. Approached by Manchester United, the young Helan refused to respect a pre-contract agreement signed with Rennes, and eventually signed for Manchester City. The Paris-born left back is now playing for the “Citizens” Academy, but Rennes has launched a court case against Manchester City.

Born in Rennes, Rose played at the Blosne Cercle Paul Bert de Rennes before joining the Stade Rennais Academy as a teenager. Later, the Breton right back was released, and joined Laval in June 2008. Since, Rose’s career took a turn, and he signed his first three year professional contract with Laval (Ligue 2) in May this year.