Don Givens is hoping some of the Arsenal magic will rub off on his Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad after naming Highbury youth coach Neil Banfield as his assistant.

A FINE rearguard action earned the Republic of Ireland Under 21s an impressive 0-0 draw against Portugal in the opening game of the Madeira International Tournament in Machico yesterday.

The Republic of Ireland U21 side opened their account at the Madeira Island tournament this afternoon with a 0-0 stalemate against host nation Portugal.

Switzerland Under-21 0 Republic Under-21 2

MANCHESTER City’s rising star Stephen Elliot, who scored a hat-trick for the U21s in their recent 5-1 victory over Poland in Gdansk, retains his place in Don Given’s squad for their European Championship qualifier against Switzerland in Neuchatel this day week.

Republic of Ireland U21 2 Russia U21 0

Republic of Ireland U21 0 Russia U21 0

Republic of Ireland U21 manager Don Givens has a full strength squad to choose from for Friday’s European Championship qualification clash with Russia in Waterford (6pm).

Manchester City striker Stephen Elliott retains his place in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad for next week’s European Championship qualifier against Russia.

DON GIVENS yesterday named four uncapped players and three Irish-based players in Ireland's U21 squad of 18 for a challenge game in Poland on Tuesday, August 19.

Republic of Ireland manager Don Givens has included three eircom League players in his squad of 18 for the friendly against Poland on Tuesday, August 19, next in Gdynski (kick-off 5.30pm Irish time).