European Qualifier
01.09.2000 at 19:00 - De Goffert - Nijmegen -
Don Givens is asking the Irish u21 team to be patient against the Dutch tonight in Nijmegan as the European Championship qualifiers kick-off.
Givens is calling on his team to play in a continental style, which means holding onto the ball instead of giving it away cheaply. Ireland warmed up for the game with a friendly against an Arsenal XI and put in a solid display, finally winning 2-0 with goals from Gary Doherty and Crystal Palace midfielder Stephen Hunt.
"We defeated a very accomplished Arsenal side, that comprised mainly of highly rated reserves, by keeping possession for 75% of the 90 minutes.
"After losing 3-0 to Portugal in our final Toulon Tournament game in June, I hammered home the message that losing the ball spells trouble. It's about playing the continentals at their own game and there's no reason why we cannot match them," said Given.
Ireland probable: Joe Murphy, Colin Healy, Jason Gavin, John O'Shea, Clive Clarke, Richie Patridge, Barry Quinn, James O'Connor, Alan Quinn, Gary Doherty, Graham Barrett.
Ireland u21 manager Don Givens has lost patience with the attitude of four of his players and has decided to drop them for the European Championship qualifier against Holland in Nijmegen on Friday week.
The four players that he has left out are Richie Baker, Thomas Heary, Liam George and Brian McGovern.
Givens said: "The form and attitude of certain players was not the best. Its not an army camp in the u21s. I don't put down too many rules and I'd like to think the players have time for a laugh.
"At the same time, I expect players to take their responsibilities seriously. If you're not careful - and I found this myself as a player, particularly in Dublin before games - you can lose your focus."
U21 Squad - Joe Murphy (Tranmere), Dean Delaney (Port Vale) Colin Healy (Celtic), Damien Lynch (Leeds), Jason Gavin (Middlesbrough), Andy O'Brien (Bradford), John O'Shea (Man Utd), Clive Clarke (Stoke City), Martin Rowlands (Brentford), Richie Partridge (Liverpool), Barry Quinn (Coventry), James O'Connor (Stoke City), Alan Quinn (Sheffield Wed), John McGrath (Aston Villa), Graham Barrett (Arsenal), Gary Doherty (Spurs), Michael Reddy (Sunderland), Stephen Hunt (Crystal Palace).
On stand-by: Shaun Byrne (West Ham), Liam Miller (Celtic), Dave Billington (Sheffield Wed), Richie Foran (Shelbourne).
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