Givens credits his older heads

Republic of Ireland Under-21 coach Don Givens praised his “experienced” players for their performances in the 1-1 draw against Georgia at Buckley Park in Kilkenny last night.

Nottingham Forest’s Andy Reid was named man of the match while Givens also felt that Coventry striker Graham Barrett and captain John Thompson, also of Forest, put in outstanding performances.

It is in stark contrast to just two months ago when Givens insisted he would have to blood younger, inexperienced players quickly after a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Albania.

“I thought John Thompson and the experienced players were outstanding. We needed them to stand up and they did so,” Givens said.

“I will start bringing in younger players for the next game but we will still need the Liam Millers and Graham Barretts in Poland (in August) and for the remainder of this qualifying campaign.

“We need these players in the side while the Stephen Cappers and Stephen Kellys learn what it’s like at this level.”

Capper and Kelly are just two of the next age group that Givens has already drafted in, with no less than eight of his squad still eligible when the next qualifying campaign starts in late 2004, and he admitted he has been impressed by the younger players that he has seen.

Givens added: “They have been very good this week. Stephen Kelly and Stephen Capper played all those games.

“Sean Thornton has been with us a little longer and has done well and Keith Gilroy and Graham Ward have played well in their games. The others have also played well in training and we will have a strong, experienced squad for the next campaign.”

Lado Akhalaia capitalised on some lax defending to put the visitors ahead in the 25th minute but Colin Cryan equalised eight minutes into the second half. Ten minutes later the Irish were reduced to 10 men when debutant Keith Gilroy was sent off for a professional foul.