Cunningham raring to go with U21s after year on sidelines

GREG CUNNINGHAM hopes tofinally get his year going tonight when Ireland’s U21s face Liechtenstein in their UEFA Championship qualifier in Eschen (6pm Irish time).

Last year proved to be an incredible 12 months for the Galwayman as he broke into Manchester City’s first-team and earned three senior Ireland caps.

However, fate turned against him on New Year’s Day 2011 when he broke his leg while playing on loan for Leicester City against Hull City. It’s been a long road to fitness for the 20-year-old and tonight may provide the opportunity to play his first competitive match in his comeback.

“I feel fit and well having played four matches for Manchester City’s reserves in recent weeks,” said Cunningham last night.

“The first couple of weeks following the injury were very tough but the friends and family around me lifted my spirits.

“The FAI’s doctor, Alan Byrne, kept in touch with me throughout the rehabilitation programme which was nice. In a way, the lay-off has made me mentally stronger.

“This is a tricky one for us and we won’t be underestimating Liechtenstein. They’ve scored against the leading seeds in our group, Turkey and Italy, so we’ll need a good performance.”

The three points are imperative to Ireland’s prospects of challenging for qualification. Their win over Hungary in last month’s opener was followed by a narrow defeat in Turkey five days later.

Shamrock Rovers full-back Enda Stevens is poised to deputise for the injured Gavin Gunning while the returning Terry Dixon, currently rebuilding his promising career with non-league Halifax Town, should be involved in attack either from the start or as a substitute.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s U19 team will be without key players Derrick Williams (suspended) and Connor Smith (injured) for today’s UEFA qualification decider against Russia in Bulgaria (2pm).

Paul Doolin’s side must defeat Russia or better Bulgaria’s result in their other group match against Bosnia and Herzegovina to progress into the elite phase.

IRELAND U21 (probable): I McLoughlin (MK Dons); M Connolly (Bolton Wanderers), N Canavan (Scunthorpe), R Kiernan (Wigan Athletic), E Stevens (Shamrock Rovers); R Towell (Hibernian), A Barton (Preston North End), C Clifford (Chelsea); R Brady (Hull City), J Mason (Cardiff City), A White (Leeds United).