Shine for Brian, Givens tells youngsters

DON GIVENS has challenged his U-21 players to extend their four-match unbeaten run when they face Russia tonight — and capture the attention of boss Brian Kerr.

Givens' team have made steady progress in recent months and are unbeaten this summer as they go into the U-21 Championship clash with the Russians at Waterford.

A 2-2 friendly draw against Germany was followed by a share of the points in the qualifier against Georgia which ended 1-1, a 2-1 qualifying victory over Albania and a 5-1 friendly thrashing of Poland.

The victory over Albania has since been overturned by UEFA and made into a 3-0 defeat as the Irish fielded Celtic's Liam Miller when he should have been serving a suspension. However, the mood in the camp is positive despite the team having just one point from the campaign and being out of the qualifying race with two matches remaining.

"We are unbeaten in four matches and I hope the lads can keep things going," said Givens. "I shall be talking to the lads about building on their recent performances and I shall remind them it is all about them catching Brian Kerr's eye."

Striker Wes Hoolahan has been allowed to return to Shelbourne where he is needed for an important league clash with Derry, while influential midfielder Sean Thornton has gone back to Sunderland with a knee injury.

That has presented opportunities for Manchester City's Steve Elliott and Newcastle's Steve Brennan, who have both been promoted to the squad from the U-20 side who beat the Czech Republic 3-0 in a friendly last night.

Elliott scored in that win and Givens has been impressed by the youngster's impact in previous squads.

"It is not just Steve's goals which are useful but he has the ability to liven things up with his pace and sprightliness," added Givens.

Ireland will be hoping to avenge the 2-0 defeat they suffered in Russia when they kicked off this campaign back in September but, with just this match and next month's trip to Switzerland to come, Givens' youngsters are playing for pride and the chance the make an impression on the senior team manager.