King sets U21s two-win target

Two wins in a bid to secure a play-off place: that’s the target for Ireland U21 manager Noel King, who has named his squad for the forthcoming UEFA U21 Championship Group Seven fixtures away to Hungary and Italy.

Ireland face Hungary in Kecskemét on Thursday September 6, then meet the Italians in Casarano four days later, with maximum points a must after the recent home defeat by Turkey.

“We have two games to go in our group and the simple facts are that if we win the two of them, we’ll get at least second place and hopefully that will secure a play-off place,” said King. “We can’t concentrate on the Italy game until we’ve dealt with Hungary. We’ve beaten Hungary before in Sligo so we go there knowing that we are capable of winning the match.”

A number of players have returned after missing the Turkey game with Jeff Hendrick, Adam Barton, Sean Murray, Samir Carruthers and Rhys Murphy all back in contention.