Stack starts as Givens bloods at least four new players for U21 clash

DON GIVENS will hand at least four players their first U21 international caps when Ireland play Scotland tonight in a friendly match at Kilmarnock in preparation for next month’s European Championship.

Right-back Steve Brennan (Newcastle) and midfielder Gary Dempsey (Dunfermline) will be introduced from the kick-off and standing by to come into the team at half-time will be J. J. Melligan (Wolves/Kidderminister) and Sean Thornton (Sunderland).

Among the more interesting changes made by Givens in the team from that which lost to Switzerland in the Championship 2-3 at Buckley Park, Kilkenny, in November is the selection of goalkeeper Graham Stack in place of Joe Murphy (West Brom).