European Qualifier
13.11.2015 at 15:00 - Vilnius
Ireland U21s ready for Lithuania test in Vilnius
THE Republic of Ireland U21 side will look to maintain their pursuit of qualification for the UEFA U21 Championships when they meet Lithuania in Vilnius tomorrow (4.30pm Irish).
Ireland U21s in Vilnius.JPG
12th Nov 2015
Noel Kings side are in a four-way split for top spot in Group 2 with Italy, Serbia and Slovenia so a victory against the Lithuanians would ensure the Irish went into 2016 continuing to share the lead.
The nine group winners qualify automatically. The four runners-up with the best record against the nations first, third, fourth and fifth in their sections advance to the play-offs.
Ireland got off to 100 per cent winning start with victories over Andorra twice and then Lithuania in Waterford last month before suffering an unfortunate 1-0 loss to Italy in Vicenza. It was a game which saw the Irish create more chances than their hosts but ultimately fail to secure a memorable result.
"We played well in Italy. We had some smashing attacking patches, some excellent defending, created plenty of chances but that game is gone. We did not get anything out of that particular match. Italy away is always tough and we look back and try to learn from it," said King.
"We are now looking at Lithuania. We are trying to win this game and it would be great to get the three points obviously and then you are looking to go into the New Year still joint-top of the group. We are confident that we can do that and that hopefully on the night everything works out as we have planned."
King has the height of respect for the Lithuanians having watched them before the sides met in October.
"Lithuania came to Waterford last month and we know we can beat them. They know our strengths and we know theirs. It is a question of taking things on a step further and making sure we deliver on the night," he said.
"I think Lithuania have big strong players, physical but try to play and they have not had much luck so far. They are a threat from set-pieces. They are persistent, they are at home, they know the pitch and being the home side has certain advantages. It is not going to be easy but we have to go out and do the job."
The Irish boss feels that his side has shown that they can create chances already in this campaign and wants that to be translated into more goals.
"We have been creative throughout the campaign and obviously we had like to score more of those chances. We have played very well and this group of players is gaining confidence in every game and gaining cohesion," he added.
"The boys are really dying to get the victory, beat Lithuania and stay top of the group. I can sense the mood amongst them. There is a confidence and awareness of the reality. I am looking forward to the game myself.
"I have never experienced a campaign like this where so few players have picked up knocks. We have used maybe 15 or 16 players in total across the four games which is a remarkable situation. I think it shows that the players really want to play for their country and do something special and succeed. That can lead to a performance I believe."
FIXTURES
Friday, November 13
UEFA U21 Championships Qualifying Round Group 2
Lithuania v Republic of Ireland, LFF stadionas, Vilnius (4.30pm Irish)
Serbia v Italy, Karadjordje, Novi Sad (SRB)(5.30pm Irish)
REPUBLIC of Ireland U21 Head Coach Noel King has announced his squad for the forthcoming UEFA U21 Championships Group 2 fixture against Lithuania on Friday, November 13, in Vilnius and a friendly against Norway in the RSC, Waterford, on Tuesday, November 17.
TwitterFacebookPinterestEmailMore
30th Oct 2015
The Irish are joint top of the group with nine points from their opening four games. Italy, Serbia and Slovenia also have nine points each.
"We are totally focused on Lithuania. We had a very good performance against them in Waterford earlier this month and we are looking for a similar performance and a similar result in Vilnius," said King.
"This is a hugely important game for us. We want to stay in the hunt for qualification and 12 points from the first 15 available would be a super start. This particular Irish team has a clear focus on what they want, they are together and determined to achieve it.
“The dressing room was full of disappointment after the 1-0 defeat in Italy. This stemmed from the fact that they had competed at a very high level and deserved something from the game. The only thing missing was goals. The team competed very well and limited them to just one shot on target while creating several chances ourselves.
“The players have set a high standard that they want to maintain it. The next test is winning in Lithuania.
"Unusually, there has not been many changes to the squad over the first four games. This consistency, together with winning, has helped to build a momentum, develop an understanding and build a strong team morale – all of which can be vital to success.
Using the same squad, the u21s will travel home to play a friendly game against Norway on November 17 in the RSC, Waterford (7.45pm).
King added: "Norway always prove an attraction and are a very difficult opponent, but at this moment the only focus is Lithuania. All our concentration and effort will go into trying to beat them in Vilnius and come back to the RSC with 12 out of 15 points. It is a difficult task, but one this team are determined to succeed in.”
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U21 SQUAD:
Daniel Rogers (Aberdeen - on loan at Falkirk)
Eric Grimes (Leeds United)
Sean Long (Reading - on loan at Luton Town)
Jack Connors (Dagenham & Redbridge)
Glen Rea (Brighton & Hove Albion - on loan at Southend United)
Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers)
Alan Browne (Preston North End)
Callum O Dowda (Oxford United)
Josh Cullen (West Ham United)
Conor Wilkinson (Bolton Wanderers - on loan at Barnsley)
Jack Byrne (Manchester City - on loan at Cambuur)
Sean Kavanagh (Fulham)
Reece Grego-Cox (QPR)
Dylan Connolly (Ipswich Town)
Shane Griffin (Reading)
Henry Charsley (Everton)
Sean Hoare (St Patricks Athletic)
Sean Maguire (Dundalk)
Lee Desmond (St Patricks Athletic)
Kenneth McEvoy (Tottenham Hotspur)
Sam Byrne (Everton)
FIXTURES
Friday, November 13
UEFA U21 Championships Qualifying Round Group 2
Lithuania v Republic of Ireland, LFF Stadionas, Vilnius (KO 4.30pm Irish Time)
Tuesday, November 17
U21 International Friendly
Republic of Ireland v Norway, RSC, Waterford (KO 7.45pm)
|
