EC Elite Round
21.03.2010 at 11:30 - Pampeloponnisiako, Patras (GRE)
THREE key players in the Ireland Under-17 team have reflected the confidence in the camp heading into Wednesday’s concluding Under-17 UEFA Championship Elite Stage qualifier against Austria (9.30am, Irish time).
The Irish bounced back from a disappointing 3-0 defeat to mini-groups hosts Greece in Friday’s opener with an impressive 1-0 victory over Finland on Sunday.
Greece lead Group 3 with each of the four nations having played two games each. A win over Ireland and draw against Austria gives them four points, one ahead of second placed Ireland. Finland and Austria have two points apiece.
In order to clinch top spot in the group and claim the sole automatic qualifying place into the Liechtenstein-hosted finals in May, Ireland must beat Austria and pray that Greece drop points in their game against Finland which will be played simultaneously.
Ireland captain Sean McGinty noted that the team are fully concentrating on collecting the three points and won’t be worrying about the outcome of the other match.
“All we’re thinking of is getting the three points we require,” says the Manchester United defender.
“The team has prepared well for this important game and we’re looking forward to it. It should be a great game and I am really positive that we’ll get the three points we need.
“We have used the training sessions to gel as a team. We had one friendly game between the first and elite phases so it took us a while to settle down and play as a team again. As the week has gone on, we have improved and we are now really prepared and ready for the Austria test.”
Leicester City midfielder Shane Byrne , who - like McGinty - has played full matches against Greece and Austria is also upbeat about the mission that awaits them.
Byrne said: “There’s a good buzz around the squad knowing that we still have a chance to qualify so we have to keep focused and concentrate on the task in hand.
“We have a very talented squad of players with a great management team to back us up. They have encouraged us and want us to play football to the high standard that we capable of.
“We didn’t perform well against Greece but had determination and desire in the second game against Finland.
“Everyone played well and worked hard. I thought I did well on the ball and inspired the team with some driving runs.
“Against Austria, I want to get on the ball more and to build on the determination and desire of Sunday. We could have beaten Greece if we had played the way we did in the First phase qualifiers so we have to prove ourselves tomorrow by getting three points and putting ourselves in the frame for qualifying for the finals.”
He added: “We were all down on Friday after the game but our spirits were lifted after Sunday’s performance.”
Daniel Purdy, meanwhile, is determined to build upon the momentum from Friday’s victory.
The West Ham United striker said: “Training has been good all week. We are all getting sharper as the week has gone on and have gelled and are now really playing as a team.
“In our first game against Greece, we didn’t get the ball up the field quickly enough. It was a flat performance all round but we improved on this on Sunday against Finland. We played with more energy and we had a big point to prove.
“Austria look dangerous on the break but I will be looking for the team to put in a good performance and personally to get a goal. Most importantly, though, it’s about getting three points and seeing where that takes us in the final shake-up.”
UEFA Under-17 Elite Stage qualifiers - Group 3:
Friday March 19 2010
Republic of Ireland 0-3 Greece
Austria 3-3 Finland
Sunday March 21 2010
Finland 0-1 Republic of Ireland (Kevin Knight 54)
Greece 2-2 Austria
Wednesday March 24 2010 (both kick off 9.30am, Irish time)
Republic of Ireland v Austria - Pampeloponnisiako, Patras (GRE)
Greece v Finland - Panahaiki, Patras (GRE)
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