Under-21 Toulon Tournament

[Seanie]

Don Givens has named a 21-man squad for the Toulon tournament in France between May 6 and May 17.

Ireland have been grouped with Germany, Italy, South Africa and Japan for the prestigious competition and Givens sees the tournament as excellent preparation for the European Championship qualifiers that begin in September.

Givens has made six changes from the squad that travelled to Austria last week. Joe Murphy and Graham Barrett return from injury while there are also places for Manchester United's Paul Tierney, John Thompson of Nottingham Forest, Blackburn forward Jonathan Douglas and Clifford Byrne of Sunderland.

Captain John O'Shea is ruled out because of his club commitments while Brian Cash, Brian Shelley, Wes Houlihan, Dan Connor and Richie Byrne are also left out.

Givens has also named Ben Burgess and Dwayne Mattis in the squad though they may be forced to withdraw if their respective clubs progress to the Second Division play-offs.

Squad: Joe Murphy (Tranmere Rovers), Graham Stack (Arsenal), John Thompson (Nottingham Forest), Jim Goodwin (Celtic), Brian O'Callaghan (Barnsley), Clifford Byrne (Sunderland), Keith Foy (Nottingham Forest), Paul Tierney (Manchester United), Thomas Butler (Sunderland), Brian Cash (Nottingham Forest), Liam Miller (Celtic), Michael Doyle (Celtic), Shaun Byrne (West Ham United), Joe Gamble (Reading), Andy Reid (Nottingham Forest), Graham Barrett (Arsenal), Jonathon Daly (Stockport County), Paul Heffernan (Notts County), Jonathan Douglas (Blackburn Rovers).
Ben Burgess (Brentford), Dwayne Mattis (Huddersfield Town) also selected depending on whether their club's progress in the English Second Division play-offs


Isn't it a bit of a farce playing a tournament at a vital point of the season and just before the World Cup.

[Shelsman]

It is a shame that there are no eL players in the squad. Surely an eL U21 team could take the place of the National U21 side in the 'Triangular Tournament' that was arranged for Ireland / N.Ireland / Wales but which we left when we started getting invites to the Toulon ?

[pete]

Its a shame he just removed all the eL players in one go but I suppose they probably have stopped training now as its a short break before new season training begins.

Seems starnge to piuck a few [players who may not be able to go due to englisg league playoiffs.

Again disappointing Delaney not getting a look in & against a few Premiership reserve team players.

[Éanna]

Yeah, at least Gamble seems to be holding his place in there.

[Neil]

Don Givens has been sweet-talking some of the biggest names in the management game to make sure he goes to Toulon with his best possible Irish Under 21 squad – including John O’Shea.

The Irish Under 21 boss ended any lingering hopes O’Shea might have had of a late, late call-up to the senior squad by requesting some leeway from Alex Ferguson to allow the Waterford defender to travel to France.

“I’ve asked for the release of Thomas Butler and John O’Shea for our final two games. Liam Miller and Mike Doyle, the two Celtic lads with Aarhus will also team up with us after they play their league games over the weekend,” said Givens.

“So I should have those lads for three games though their clubs can pull them back if they need them,” he added.

“We don’t have any rights in this situation so we’ve got to rely on good will from the clubs. You juggle and compromise.”

The Irish squad will gather in London on Sunday before heading for the prestigious tournament in France

soccercentral.ie (http://www.soccercentral.ie/viewstory.asp?id=7044&mainheading=Republic+of+Ireland&viewstory=yes)

[Neil]

Group B Match Schedule:

Tuesday, May 7th
Republic of Ireland v Japan
at Stade des Cositeres, Nimes (KO 5 p.m. Irish time)

Thursday, May 9th
Republic of Ireland v Italy
at Stade Mayoi, Toulon (KO 7 p.m. Irish time)

Monday, May 13th
Republic of Ireland v South Africa
at Stade Pourcin Frejus, (KO 7 p.m. Irish time)

Wednesday, May 15th
Republic of Ireland v Germany
at Stade Seaglia, La Seyne (KO 5.30 p.m. Irish time)