European Qualifier
08.06.1999 at 19:00 - Terryland Park
Brentford midfielder Martin Rowlands is the only uncapped player in the Republic of Ireland line-up for tonight's European Under-21 championship tie with Macedonia at Terryland Park, Galway.
Manager Ian Evans was delighted when Rowlands decided to play for Ireland instead of his native England.
"We are glad to have the lad on board and he will certainly give us something extra on the right side of midfield," said Evans.
Former Coventry City player Colin Hawkins, now with St Patrick's Athletic, is the only League of Ireland player in the starting line-up.
And the call-up presents a rare opportunity for Hawkins to play in front of his home-town crowd.
The Republic are unbeaten with one win and two draws after three games.
"I am confident we can give both Yugoslavia and Croatia a good run to win this group.
Victory against Macedonia would keep us on track," said manager Evans.
Meanwhile, Peter Taylor is still waiting for the phone call which could offer him continued employment in football after he bows out as the most successful England Under-21 manager in history.
Taylor can finish on a high as a victory over Bulgaria tonight at the Hristo Botev Stadium in Vratza will ensure England win their European championship qualifying group with two matches to spare.
Friday's 3-0 success over Sweden at Huddersfield maintained England's 100% record in the group and in five games they have scored 16 goals and conceded none.
Taylor's standing could hardly be higher after working with and developing the cream of England's young talent over the past three years.
Now he is hoping to step into management or coaching at club level having previously had spells in non-league and the professional game with Dartford, Enfield, Dover, Watford and Southend.
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