Nolan out to wrap up U21 campaign on high

IRELAND U21 star Eddie Nolan is expecting another massive test from Portugal when the two sides clash in Madeira this evening [kick-off 6pm] but the Blackburn defender is hoping Don Givens’ young side can end their European Championships qualifying campaign on a high.

With England having wrapped-up first place in Group 3, Portugal need to defeat Ireland and hope that results elsewhere go their way in order to clinch one of the four ‘best runners-up’ places to bag a spot in Sweden next June.

Portugal looked a different class when defeating Ireland 2-0 at Turner’s Cross earlier in the campaign but only three players in the current Ireland squad — Nolan, Stephen Gleeson and Owen Garvan — were involved in Cork last September. Nolan is expecting another masterclass from the hosts.