Givens hopes for some Gunners magic

Don Givens is hoping some of the Arsenal magic will rub off on his Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad after naming Highbury youth coach Neil Banfield as his assistant.

Under-21 coach Givens persuaded Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and academy chief Liam Brady that it would be good experience for Banfield as well as the Gunners, after the Highbury duo initially turned down his request.