Irish under-21s face Portugal in UEFA qualifiers

The Irish under-21s get their European Championship qualification campaign underway against Portugal at Turner's Cross this evening.

Celtic defender Darren O'Dea will captain the side as they kick-start their bid to qualify for the 2009 finals.

Tonight's game will be a tough test, but Ireland also face strong opposition in their group from England, Bulgaria and Montenegro.

Even if they come through the group unscathed, they will still face a play-off for a place in the final eight.