Semi pros in action tonite
Ireland boss Don O'Riordan admits he knows not "a dickie bird" about any of his opponents in the Unibond Four Nation tournament, but is confident enough that his side will "do Irish football and the eircom League proud."
The Republic of Ireland semi-pro international side take on Scotland, England and Wales in this tournament in Kettering and Boston, England.
The squad to take part in the tournament arrived safely at their hotel base yesterday ahead of this evening's opening tie against Scotland (kick-off 7:30pm) at Kettering Town's ground.
"Whatever happens we want to present a positive image of the eircom League and account for ourselves as best we can" he added. The Scots are comprised of players from the Highland League and East of Scotland League.
O'Riordan has lost Owen Heary, Paul McNally and Stuart Byrne from his original eighteen man squad with the latter two required by Stephen Kenny's Bohs for the Gypsies travesl to Spain this week.
Two Irish League players - Vinny Arkins and Tony Gorman are also included as players from other semi-pro leagues are allowed participate as long as they qualify under normal FIFA rules.
"It's part and parcel of the game, losing players," said O'Riordan whoo is also boss at eircom League first division club Sligo Rovers. "You just have to get on with the hand you are dealt and Brian Shelley, Colm Tresson and Jonathon Minnock are ideal replacements."
The squad departed Dublin under the eye of Eamonn Collins, assistant to manager Don O'Riordan who hooked up with his charges at Birmingham Airport before arriving at the Marriott Hotel in Grantham.
"The squad will have a light training session this morning and then rest before I choose the team, though I have a good idea in my head of the starting eleven", he finished.
