EC Qualifying Round
29.09.2009 at 14:00 - Albena 1 - Albena - Bulgaria
The Republic of Ireland will hope to build on Sunday's 2-1 win over mini-group hosts Bulgaria when they continue their Under-17 UEFA Championship qualifying campaign against Latvia today in Albena, Bulgaria (12 noon, Irish time)
Daniel Purdy supplied a late winner for the Irish on Sunday to send them into today's game knowing another three points will confirm their place in the Elite phase, provided Sweden overcome Bulgaria in the other group game being played today.
Ireland manager Sean McCaffrey has made three changes to his side that beat Bulgaria. Jack Bonham of Watford replaces the injured Sean McDermott in goal, while Derrick Williams (Aston Villa) and Anton Rodgers (Chelsea) come in for Kevin Knight and Shane Byrne (both Leicester City).
"Winning today's game is the priority but we're up against a decent Latvia team who were unlucky to lose against Sweden on Sunday," said Sean McCaffrey.
"They have quick, strong players and will sit back trying to catch us on the counter-attack.
"However, the game will be played on the better pitch today than Sunday's match. That's important because our approach will be to maintain possession and play to our strengths."
Ireland U17 v Latvia:
Jack Bonham - Watford
Michael Barker - Belvedere
Richard Bryan - Aston Villa
Sean McGinty - Manchester United
Derrick Williams - Aston Villa
Brian McGroary - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Frankie Sutherland - QPR
Anton Rodgers - Chelsea
Carl McHugh - Reading
George Smith - Southend United
Daniel Purdy - West Ham United
Substitutes:
Aiden O'Brien - Millwall.
Neil Yadolahi - St. Kevin's Boys
Ben Glasgow - Arsenal
Shane Byrne - Leicester City
Callum Webb - Arsenal
Kevin Knight - Leicester City.
Under-17 UEFA Championship first phase qualifiers:
Sunday, September 27
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria
Sweden 2-0 Latvia
Tuesday, September 29
Republic of Ireland v Latvia, Albena Stadium (12 pm)
Sweden v Bulgaria
Friday, October 2nd (3pm)
Republic of Ireland v Sweden, Albena Stadium
Bulgaria v Latvia.
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