Quigley, McFaul and Sammon in U-21 squad
From IrishFootballOnline:
Quote:
Givens names under-21 squad for Portugal
Don Givens has named his squad for next month's Under-21 European Championship qualifier with Portugal in Cork. There are four domestically based players in the squad.
Ireland take on Portugal at Turner's Cross on Tuesday, 7th September in the opening game of the group. Ireland will then take on England at the same venue in October.
Amongst the 18 strong squad are three players from UCD including goalkeeper Darren Quigley, midfielder Shane McFaul and striker Conor Sammon. Bohemians' Conor Powell retains his place.
It is Sammon's first call-up and he is joined by Darren Dennehy of Everton and Keith Treacy of Blackburn Rovers who are also new to the under-21 setup.
Although Givens hasn't commented on the decision, Anthony Stokes has been omitted after apparently angering the manager with his late withdrawal ahead of this week's friendly in Germany.
Givens expects a difficult time ahead in qualifying, "We are in a difficult group and we have some very interesting games. Both Portugal and England are extremely good sides with some excellent players, but we are confident going into both games."
Givens is hoping to be cheered on by a passionate home crowd, "We are delighted to be playing the matches in Turner's Cross because the people of Cork have always been very good at supporting underage football. We are looking forward to a full house at Turner's Cross, which would really give the lads a massive boost."
The under-21 boss believes this week's friendly in Germany has set them up perfectly for the qualifying campaign, "We were very happy with the performance and the result in Germany. We had four new faces in the squad for that game, all of whom are in the squad again for the Portugal match. We have also introduced another three new players into this squad, so that shows the talent that is coming through."
The FAI have announced ticketing details for the games against Portugal and England (16th October) and have offered a deal for fans wishing to purchase tickets for both games. Tickets for each of the matches will cost €25 for an adult and €10 for Under-16s and OAPs. A discounted package of €40 will apply for adults who purchase tickets for both games.
Tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster outlets at 10am on Monday, 27th August.
Ireland under-21 squad (to play Portugal)
Darren Randolph (Charlton Athletic)
Darren Quigley (University College Dublin)
Eddie Nolan (Blackburn Rovers)
Darren O'Dea (Glasgow Celtic)
Richard Keogh (Bristol City)
Darren Dennehy (Everton)
Stephen O'Halloran (Aston Villa)
Conor Powell (Bohemians)
Stephen Gleeson (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Patrick Cregg (Falkirk)
Stephen Quinn (Sheffield United)
Shane McFaul (University College Dublin)
Michael Collins (Huddersfield Town)
Keith Treacy (Blackburn Rovers)
Adam Rooney (Stoke City)
James O'Brien (Glasgow Celtic)
Billy Clarke (Ipswich Town)
Conor Sammon (University College Dublin)
Fair play to Sammo, just shows what games on telly can do for you! Wonder will he be able to fill the boots of Anthony Stokes...:D
