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.