King looks to build U21 momentum
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Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Noel King will be looking for his side to build on their solid start to UEFA Under-21 European Championship qualifying Group 7 when they meet Turkey in Manisa on Tuesday (4pm).
After an impressive 2-1 win over Hungary in their opening game in Sligo on Thursday, the Irish have a different test against the Turks as they bid to get control of their group in the battle for a place in the finals in Israel 2013.
King’s options have been limited by the loss of Arsenal striker Rhys Murphy with a hamstring strain. Murphy had marked his debut at this level with the winner against the Hungarians on Thursday but has now returned to his club with no replacement called up.
Bohemians midfielder Lee Dixon was drafted in to replace James McCarthy after the Wigan midfielder was promoted to the senior international squad for their Euro 2012 qualifier in Russia tomorrow.
“Losing Rhys Murphy is a blow because he had an impressive debut and did a good job for us on the night. We had lost Joe Mason, Sean Scannell and Aaron Doran in the build-up to the game so our attacking depth will be tested,” said the Irish boss.
Shrewsbury Town’s James Collins was added to the squad when the three strikers named above were forced out ahead of the Hungary fixture and he will bid to break into the starting line-up. Chelsea’s Conor Clifford is a candidate for the midfield berth freed up by McCarthy’s promotion.
“With a couple of forced changes made from the last game it gives other players an opportunity to show their quality in an important game like this,” King added.
Temperatures in Turkey are considerably higher than they were in Sligo last week – it was over 30C in Manisa today and just 13C in Ireland – but King is confident that his players will be up for the test,
“Turkey are a good side. I watched them beat Liechtenstein 6-1 and have watched other DVDs so we’ve done our homework on them and it’s up to the players now,” he said.
“The conditions are obviously a lot warmer than in Ireland but the players have eaten well, taken in the fluids and rested well. The temperatures are likely to be around 26C by kick-off time so I’m confident we will be able to cope.
“The group won’t be decided on this game. There are eight matches to play and we’re looking to build some momentum after a good result in our opening game.”
Republic of Ireland Under-21 Squad
Ian McLoughlin (MK Dons)
Aaron McCarey (Wolves)
Lanre Oyebanjo (York City)
Shane Duffy (Everton)
Gavin Gunning Dundee United)
Rob Kiernan (Wigan Athletic)
Niall Canavan (Scunthorpe United)
Aidan White (Leeds United)
Richie Towell (Hibernian FC – on loan from Celtic FC)
Mark Connolly (Bolton Wanderers)
Adam Barton (Preston North End)
Conor Clifford (Chelsea)
Lee Dixon (Bohemians)
Jeff Hendrick (Derby County)
Conor Hourihane (Plymouth Argyle)
James Collins (Shrewsbury Town)
Robbie Brady (Hull City FC - on loan from Manchester United FC)
After an impressive 2-1 win over Hungary in their opening game in Sligo on Thursday, the Irish have a different test against the Turks as they bid to get control of their group in the battle for a place in the finals in Israel 2013.
King’s options have been limited by the loss of Arsenal striker Rhys Murphy with a hamstring strain. Murphy had marked his debut at this level with the winner against the Hungarians on Thursday but has now returned to his club with no replacement called up.
Bohemians midfielder Lee Dixon was drafted in to replace James McCarthy after the Wigan midfielder was promoted to the senior international squad for their Euro 2012 qualifier in Russia tomorrow.
“Losing Rhys Murphy is a blow because he had an impressive debut and did a good job for us on the night. We had lost Joe Mason, Sean Scannell and Aaron Doran in the build-up to the game so our attacking depth will be tested,” said the Irish boss.
Shrewsbury Town’s James Collins was added to the squad when the three strikers named above were forced out ahead of the Hungary fixture and he will bid to break into the starting line-up. Chelsea’s Conor Clifford is a candidate for the midfield berth freed up by McCarthy’s promotion.
“With a couple of forced changes made from the last game it gives other players an opportunity to show their quality in an important game like this,” King added.
Temperatures in Turkey are considerably higher than they were in Sligo last week – it was over 30C in Manisa today and just 13C in Ireland – but King is confident that his players will be up for the test,
“Turkey are a good side. I watched them beat Liechtenstein 6-1 and have watched other DVDs so we’ve done our homework on them and it’s up to the players now,” he said.
“The conditions are obviously a lot warmer than in Ireland but the players have eaten well, taken in the fluids and rested well. The temperatures are likely to be around 26C by kick-off time so I’m confident we will be able to cope.
“The group won’t be decided on this game. There are eight matches to play and we’re looking to build some momentum after a good result in our opening game.”
Republic of Ireland Under-21 Squad
Ian McLoughlin (MK Dons)
Aaron McCarey (Wolves)
Lanre Oyebanjo (York City)
Shane Duffy (Everton)
Gavin Gunning Dundee United)
Rob Kiernan (Wigan Athletic)
Niall Canavan (Scunthorpe United)
Aidan White (Leeds United)
Richie Towell (Hibernian FC – on loan from Celtic FC)
Mark Connolly (Bolton Wanderers)
Adam Barton (Preston North End)
Conor Clifford (Chelsea)
Lee Dixon (Bohemians)
Jeff Hendrick (Derby County)
Conor Hourihane (Plymouth Argyle)
James Collins (Shrewsbury Town)
Robbie Brady (Hull City FC - on loan from Manchester United FC)
