Away form gives King confidence

Ireland U21 manager Noel King has cited his squad’s stellar away form as reason to be confident heading into today’s Uefa Championship qualifier in Montenegro (5pm).

Level on seven points with Ireland in joint-second behind trailblazers Germany, Montenegro need only to avoid defeat if they’re to put the destiny of King’s side in the chase for a play-off spot beyond their own control. That’s because they’ve played a game less than King’s charges.

Recent form by the hosts, including Friday’s 1-1 draw against Germany, suggests Ireland’s defenders are in for a hectic assignment at the same Podgorica City Stadium where the Germans struggled.