Givens concerned with heat

Republic of Ireland Under-21 boss Don Givens has slapped a sun block on his players ahead of their European Championship qualifying clash with Greece tomorrow.

In a truncated campaign, with UEFA switching the finals to odd years to avoid a clash with the World Cup and senior European Championship events, Ireland first face the Greeks at the Panionios Stadium in Nea Smyrni.

The Irish then meet Belgium in Galway’s Terryland Park on September 1, with the three-team group completed fie days later when Greece take on the Belgians.

Only the winners progress to a play-off in October, so Givens knows there is no margin for error in either fixture if Ireland are to come out on top.

It is why in searing heat pushing 40 degrees centigrade, Givens has banned his squad from going out during the day to avoid the sunshine sapping energy levels.

“It’s very oppressive,” Givens told PA Sport. “We arrived early to acclimatise because it is very, very hot, which is going to be tough on the boys.

“We were sitting outside the hotel having a quiet drink at midnight the other night and it was still hot then.

“So I’ve told the lads it is completely out of the question to go out in the sun because it does tire you out.

“It means they can become a bit bored passing the time in the hotel, but they’ve their i-Pods and there’s a reasonable amount of telly for them to watch, while they can have a sleep in the afternoon.

“I know it’s hard on them, but I’ve said to them that that’s the way it is because tomorrow’s game is vital for us.

“We have to do what is necessary to prepare in the best way, so they know they are being kept in for a reason.

“It’s the same for myself and the rest of the coaching staff. We’re all staying indoors too.

“It’s no use us saying one thing to the players, and then doing the complete opposite. We’re here for the game and that’s it.”

It has meant Givens organising two short training sessions per day, with one in the morning and another in the evening around the 8pm local kick-off time.

On the back of a six-game unbeaten run this year – that includes five successive victories – Givens’ side at least head into their next two matches with confidence.

“This is a big couple of weeks for us, but we’re on a little bit of a run again,” added Givens.

“If we get a draw against Greece and then beat Belgium at home, I feel that should be enough to top the group.

“But we have to get something out of this game first. You cannot be top of the group if you lose a match.”

Unlike the senior side tat has been decimated by injury withdrawals ahead of tomorrow’s friendly with Holland at Lansdowne Road, Givens in contrast was forced into one change before heading out to Greece.

After receiving his first call-up, Manchester United’s 18-year old midfielder Darron Gibson pulled out, with UCD’s Gary Dicker in as replacement.