European Qualifier
15.11.2013 at 15:45 - Showgrounds
Republic of Ireland U21 side ready for Faroes test
THE Republic of Ireland U21 side host Faroe Islands tomorrow in their latest fixture in the UEFA U21 Championships Qualifying Round Group Six at the Showgrounds, Sligo (3.45pm).
Noel Kings side beat the Faroes 4-1 in their opening fixture in Toftir in August but trailed to a 14th minute opener from Gilli Sørensen and the Faroes also led Germany in their most recent game.
The Irish boss feels the will be no question of the Irish taking their opponents for granted tomorrow.
"We played them before and it took us 30 minutes to equalise. It was 1-1 at half-time. The boys are well aware that this is a side with a threat. There is no question of us being lackadaisical," he said.
"The Faroes led against us, they drew 2-2 with Romania and with 15 minutes to go against Germany they were 2-1 up so they are better than a decent side. They are very good, fit and well-organised. They will be coming here trying to get a result. People may be expecting us to win but it is not an easy task.
"They have a lot of players of a similar quality. They are aggressive and have a great work ethic. It willl be a tough match."
King has drafted John Egan into his squad to replace the injured Matt Doherty. Sunderland defender Egan has just resumed playing after breaking a leg during a loan spell with Bradford City 12 months ago.
" It is great for John after being out for so many months. It is good to have him back available to us. He is a good player and a very good lad to have about the place," added King.
"He has been in touch over the past year, wishing us well before games. He loves playing for his country and has always done well when called upon. I am delighted to have him back."
The Irish boss stood in as interim senior international team manager last month but is focused on his role as U21 chief and wants to get his side back into contention for a place in the play-offs after they were unfortunately beaten 1-0 at home to Romania in October.
“It’s not a question of us looking to get back on winning ways. We’re just looking to win the next match and then see what happens with the other three fixtures. It’s a big task but one we’re looking forward to," he said.
Watfords Connor Smith is suspended for tomorrows game but will be available for visit to Montenegro on Tuesday.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U21 SQUAD
Aaron McCarey Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Seán McDermott Sandnes Ulf FC
John Egan Sunderland AFC
Michael Harriman QPR FC – on-loan to Gillingham FC
Shane Duffy Everton FC – on-loan to Yeovil Town FC
Seán McGinty Sheffield United FC
Derrick Williams Bristol City FC
Anthony O Connor Blackburn Rovers FC – on-loan to Torquay United
Charles Dunne Blackpool FC – on-loan to Wycombe Wanderers FC
John O’Sullivan Blackburn Rovers FC
Joe Shaughnessy Aberdeen FC
Callum Reilly Birmingham City FC
Anthony Forde Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Seán Murray Watford FC
Samir Carruthers Aston Villa FC – on-loan to MK Dons FC
Jack Grealish Aston Villa FC – on-loan to Notts County FC
Aiden O Brien Millwall FC
Will Hayhurst Preston North End FC
Connor Smith Watford
FIXTURES
UEFA U21 Qualifying Round Group 6
Friday, November 15
Republic of Ireland v Faroe Islands, Showgrounds, Sligo (3.45pm)
Tuesday, November 19
Montenegro v Republic of Ireland, Stadion Podgorica, Podgorica (MNE) (4.00pm Irish)
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