Friendly
27.04.1999 at 19:00 - Birr
U-21 boss wins O'Brien's loyalty
BRADFORD'S Andy O'Brien, who has appeared in several England youth squads and an Under-18 friendly, will make his debut for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s against Sweden in Birr this evening.
Republic manager Ian Evans has won the fight for O'Brien's loyalty despite the player looking a firm prospect for England early in his career.
Evans said: "Both Andy and his family, who are Irish-born, are very keen for him to come to us and is one of many youngsters coming through now who are looking very likely for us."
Sheffield Wednesday striker Mark McKeever, who made his Premiership debut on Sunday in the 0-0 draw against Chelsea, wins his second Irish cap and will partner Tottenham's Neale Fenn, currently on loan to Lincoln.
This is Ireland's first U-21 match since the 1-1 draw in Yugoslavia in November and boss Evans takes the opportunity to look at his options. Goalkeeper Alex O'Reilly of West Ham is still ill after the Ireland youth side's visit to Nigeria for the World Championships, and striker Alan Lee is suspended for the next European Championship game.
Evans calls up Richie Baker of Shelbourne for a place on the bench, a quick promotion for the tiny midfielder who played half a game in the World Championships.
Derek O'Connor, who replaces O'Reilly in goal against Sweden, is hoping to impress ahead of his visit next week to Tranmere where he will be on trial in search of a contract from Rovers manager John Aldridge.
O'Connor is currently playing in non-league English football with Bradford Park Avenue.
Republic of Ireland Under-21 team to play Sweden in Birr:
O'Connor (Bradford PA), Worrell (Dundee Utd), Barry-Murphy (Cork), Morgan (St Patrick's), Hawkins (St Patrick's), O'Brien (Bradford), Maybury (Reading), Clare (Grimsby), Fenn (Lincoln), Mahon (Tranmere), McKeever (Sheff Wed).
Subs: Cummins (Middlesbrough), Grant (Stockport), Lynch (UCD), Molloy (St Patrick's), Armstrong (Brighton), Baker (Shelbourne), Ryan (UCD).
|
