Givens gunning for ‘lucky 13’ to kick start qualification for Euro finals

DON GIVENS has given the side that beat Bulgaria a vote of confidence ahead of the opening European Under 21 Championship clash with Cyprus at Buckley Park, Kilkenny, tomorrow night.

Captain Stephen Kelly, injured for the Bulgaria clash, comes into an otherwise unchanged line up for the clash and there is every intent to make it ‘lucky 13’.

Givens believes his squad’s soaring confidence can see them reach the finals.

It is a feat Ireland have never managed but a record-breaking undefeated 12-match run has given them a good chance.

In 2002, the Irish reached the last four of the European U19 Championships and a year later earned a place in the last 16 of the World Youth tournament where they were unfortunate to lose to Colombia.

But as U21s they have savoured success - they won the Madeira International Tournament in February, beating Italy on the way to victory.

Requiring a top-two finish to secure a play-off spot, Givens said: “We’ve not had a run like this before, so as you can imagine confidence is very high.

“We are looking more solid than we have ever done in the past. At times we have played some good stuff, but we’ve lacked consistency and made individual errors.

“This group of lads is a solid group, and although it’s going to be tough to qualify with Switzerland and France in there, we’re going to have a good run at it.

“We would hope to make the top two, but it’s alright talking about it, doing it is another matter. However, this set of players just doesn’t like being beaten,” said Givens.

Givens admitted their winning attitude sets them apart from other Ireland U21 sides he has managed over the last four years:

“They have an in-grown confidence without being too cocky. There’s a spirit, there’s no problems for them and they’re strong all round.”

With many of the players having already earned some experience of first team football with their clubs, including Stephen Kelly (Tottenham Hotspur), Glenn Whelan (Sheffield Wednesday), Darren Potter (Liverpool), Daryl Murphy (Waterford United), Aiden McGeady (Celtic) and Ireland U21 goal scoring record holder Stephen Elliott and Sean Thornton (both Sunderland), the side is developing strongly and Givens has high hopes ahead of the qualifiers.

“Against Bulgaria, we were out of sight and let them back in and we can’t afford to do that in the competitive games.

Team: Henderson (Notts County); Kelly (Tottenham Hotspur), McCarthy (Manchester City), Fitzgerald (Blackburn Rovers), Capper (Scarborough); McGeady (Celtic), Potter (Liverpool), Whelan (Sheffield Wednesday), Kearney (Cork City); Doyle (Cork City), Elliott (Sunderland).