Chance for young guns to shine in front of Staunton

REPUBLIC of Ireland manager Steve Staunton will be an interested spectator as the national U21 side contest a four team Madeira tournament.

Staunton travelled primarily to run the rule over exciting 19-year-old talent Stephen Ireland. However, the Manchester City midfielder withdrew from the squad yesterday following a groin injury sustained over the weekend. Ireland has been replaced by Waterford United’s Stephen Grant.

It was to be the first time that Ireland figured for his country since an altercation with Brian Kerr a few years ago.