King wants U21s to follow seniors’ example

IRELAND U21 manager Noel King has challenged his players to maintain their Euro qualification quest tonight – and try catch Giovanni Trapattoni’s eye in the process.

Victory at the Showgrounds in Sligo (7.30) over a Liechtenstein team they hammered 4-1 away last month will push King’s side to within three points of second-placed Turkey with two games in hand.

Greg Cunningham, the holder of three senior caps, along with prospects Robbie Brady and Shane Duffy, is likely to be in a blossoming side tonight.

IRELAND (probable): I. McLoughlin (MK Dons); M. Connolly (Bolton), S. Duffy (Scunthorpe), R. Kiernan (Wigan Athletic, capt), G. Cunningham (Man City); R. Towell (Hibernian), C. Clifford (Yeovil Town), A. Barton (Preston NE); R. Brady (Hull City), J. Collins (Shrewsbury Town), A. White (Leeds Utd).