Rep of Ireland vs Spain (U21s)
Credit:
Ireland Under-21s face a challenging encounter against their Spanish counterparts at the Regional Sports Centre in Waterford tomorrow night (kick off 7.45pm). This game will be their final preparation before the European Championship qualification campaign begins against Turkey in Cork on Tuesday. The Irish have been drawn in a group alongside Estonia, Georgia, Switzerland, Armenia and the Turkish ahead of the finals in 2011.
Manager Don Givens has been able to select a strong squad ahead of both upcoming games. Waterford native Eddie Nolan is the most experienced inclusion, with 11 appearances to his name at this level. The one casualty from the original squad named by Givens is the withdrawal of Crystal Palace forward Sean Scannell. In his place comes Christy Fagan. Formerly of Manchester United, Fagan is currently signed to the Glenn Hoddle Academy which is based in southern Spain. The squad features two League of Ireland players in Galway captain Jay O’ Shea and Graham Carey, who is on loan to Bohemians from Celtic.
There are some familiar names in this formidable Spanish selection. Central midfielder Marc Crosas, who signed for Celtic in August, is included. The former Barcelona man has played nine senior games for the Scottish champions this season, scoring one goal. Another danger to the Irish side will be the highly rated Real Madrid youngster Daniel Parejo. The midfielder has played two games at this level and scored one goal. His form while on loan at Queen’s Park Rangers in England attracted the attention of Europe’s elite clubs but Madrid will be battling to keep hold of their starlet.
This game should be a fascinating test for the Young Boys in Green. The Spanish have an excellent pedigree at this level and their senior side currently heads the FIFA world rankings. The Irish players will relish the opportunity to test themselves against a team of this calibre in front of what will surely be a sell-out RSC.
Manager Don Givens has been able to select a strong squad ahead of both upcoming games. Waterford native Eddie Nolan is the most experienced inclusion, with 11 appearances to his name at this level. The one casualty from the original squad named by Givens is the withdrawal of Crystal Palace forward Sean Scannell. In his place comes Christy Fagan. Formerly of Manchester United, Fagan is currently signed to the Glenn Hoddle Academy which is based in southern Spain. The squad features two League of Ireland players in Galway captain Jay O’ Shea and Graham Carey, who is on loan to Bohemians from Celtic.
There are some familiar names in this formidable Spanish selection. Central midfielder Marc Crosas, who signed for Celtic in August, is included. The former Barcelona man has played nine senior games for the Scottish champions this season, scoring one goal. Another danger to the Irish side will be the highly rated Real Madrid youngster Daniel Parejo. The midfielder has played two games at this level and scored one goal. His form while on loan at Queen’s Park Rangers in England attracted the attention of Europe’s elite clubs but Madrid will be battling to keep hold of their starlet.
This game should be a fascinating test for the Young Boys in Green. The Spanish have an excellent pedigree at this level and their senior side currently heads the FIFA world rankings. The Irish players will relish the opportunity to test themselves against a team of this calibre in front of what will surely be a sell-out RSC.
About Dean Hayes
Dean covers Waterford United and, due to a challenge from Gareth, writes in an increasingly Gonzo style. Having found himself with a considerable surplus of a culinary herb, Dean founded sister 'site extrathyme.ie some years … View Full Profile