Givens relying on rising star Elliot to shine for U21s

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.

Although the game will bring to an end a disappointing campaign for the U21s, Givens will have been heartened by his team’s recent form. After inflicting the heavy defeat on the Poles, they beat the Russians 2-0 in Waterford last month. Seven of those in Givens’ squad are expected to represent Ireland in the World Youth Finals in the UAE next month.

These include Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Wayne Henderson, John Fitzgerald of Blackburn Rovers, Joe Kendrick of 1860 Munich, Kevin Foley of Luton, Liverpool’s Derek Potter, Paul Keegan of Leeds and Jonathan Walters, the promising striker on Bolton Wanderers’ books.

Defender Kendrick’s inclusion means that the U21 squad has the unusual situation of two Bundesliga players in the panel, with Dortmund’s promising midfielder Patrick Kohlmann retaining his place.

Ireland have long given up any chance of qualifying for the finals, but another impressive performance against the Swiss will keep the buoyancy in the panel, and enhance the confidence of those heading to the Middle East in November. Three Eircom league players are retained in the squad. They include Cork City’s star striker John O’Flynn, as well as Waterford keeper Daniel Connor and Shelbourne midfielder Wes Hoolahan.

IRELAND U21 (vs Switzerland): Daniel Connor (Waterford United), Wayne Henderson (Aston Villa); Stephen Kelly (Spurs), John Fitzgerald (Blackburn), John Thompson (Notts Forest), Stephen Capper (Scarborough), Joe Kendrick (1860 Munich); Patrick Kohlmann (Borussia Dortmund), Kevin Foley (Luton Town), Sean Thorton (Sunderland), Wes Hoolahan (Shels), Stephen Elliot (Man City), Derek Potter (Liverpool); Jon Walters (Bolton Wanderers), Paul Keegan (Leeds), Kevin O’Connor (Brentford), Jonathan Daly (Stockport), John O’Flynn (Cork City)