European Qualifier
11.10.2005 at 19:00 - Tolka Park
REPUBLIC of Ireland U21 manager Don Givens has demanded a much-improved performance from his charges in tonight’s final UEFA U21 Championship qualifier with Switzerland at Tolka Park (Kick off 7.45). A poor showing in Larnaca saw Ireland forced to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Cyprus and Givens has resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes to the side and has instead called on the players to produce their true colours.
"There hasn't been wholesale changes but I'm looking for an improved performances. If we don't get an improved performance, we'll get our backsides spanked," said Givens.
"If we play at the same level as in Cyprus we'll get our backsides well and truly spanked because they're a decent side."
That means that Givens has made just two forced changes to the side with Derry City's Kevin Deery and Sheffield Wednesday's Glenn Whelan coming in to replace the injured Keith Keane and suspended Darren Potter.
Wayne Henderson the only player in the side who will be overage next year will captain the team.
While Ireland have no chance of qualifying for next year's European finals after picking up five points from the seven games to date, Switzerland can still claim a playoff spot with a victory this evening.
It means that the game certainly will not lack a competitive atmosphere with Givens promising that Ireland will go out looking for the win.
"I won't be treating this like a friendly," he said. "I know there is no chance that we can qualify but we want to get a result. We'll certainly be looking for the win.
"But I do hope that we will play well enough that I can give a few lads a chance towards the end of the game. I wanted to in Cyprus but it did not work out like that. When the chance comes I will make changes."
That means that the likes of UCD pair Darren Quigley and Gary Dicker, and Alan Sheehan and Roy O'Donovan, who were unused substitutes in Cyprus could get a run-out tonight.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Henderson (Brighton); Deery (Derry City), McShane (Walsall), Fitzgerald (Bury), Painter (Birmingham City); Flood (Coventry City), O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers), Whelan (Sheffield Wednesday), McGeady (Celtic); Tabb (Brentford), Ward (Bohemians).
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