Resurgent Tommie Hoban a man on a mission

Not once but twice has Ireland U21 skipper Tommie Hoban overcome injuries which have threatened to end his career before it can even take flight.

Thankfully, the Watford centre-back is back in action, securing a loan move to Blackburn Rovers, and tonight at Waterford RSC his international career is resurrected too.

Hoban will lead Noel King’s U21s out at the Waterford RSC against Slovenia (7.30pm) aware that qualification for next year’s Euros is beyond them but, like many of his colleagues, armed with plenty to prove.