Givens gets chance to experiment with U-21s

SHELBOURNE winger Wesley Hoolahan and Waterford goalkeeper Dan Connor will be given the opportunity to raise the profile of the eircom League when Ireland play Switzerland tonight in the final match of their European U-21 qualifying tournament.

Manager Don Givens will introduce Blackburn Rovers centre-back John Fitzgerald and Bolton centre-forward Jon Walters to international football at this level for the first time in a selection that is experimental.

Ireland, with just five points from their seven qualifying matches, have no chance of making it to the finals and Givens has taken the opportunity to promote a number of players with a view to developing a team for the next tournament.