Givens announces Ireland U21 squad

Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Don Givens today announced an 18-man squad for the friendly against Germany in Furth later this month.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 side will take on the German Under-21 team on August 21, as they prepare for their first UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying match in September.

Manager Don Givens said that traveling to Germany would be the ideal preparation for the competitive matches over the coming months.

Don Givens said: "We’re looking forward to this game. German sides are always strong and they will give us tough match as we prepare for our first UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying game in September. This is a very important match because it gives the players a chance to stake their claim for places in the squad for our qualifying matches."

Turner’s Cross in Cork will host two UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying matches in September and October. Portugal come to Ireland on September 7, while England will provide the opposition on October 16.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad:

Darren Quigley (University College Dublin)

Darren Randolph (Charlton Athletic)

Eddie Nolan (Blackburn Rovers)

Tony Kane (Blackburn Rovers)

Richard Keogh (Bristol City)

Darren O’Dea (Glasgow Celtic)

Stephen O’Halloran (Aston Villa)

Conor Powell (Bohemian F.C.)

Darron Gibson (Manchester United)

Stephen Quinn (Sheffield United)

Michael Collins (Huddersfield Town)

Stephen Gleeson (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Patrick Cregg (Falkirk)

Keith Treacy (Blackburn Rovers)

Adam Rooney (Stoke City)

Billy Clarke (Ipswich Town)

James O’Brien (Glasgow Celtic)

Anthony Stokes (Sunderland)