Givens praises players after win

Don Givens was full of praise for his young Republic of Ireland Under-21 side after their surprise 3-2 friendly win over Sweden in Uppsala.

Goals from Stephen Quinn, Alan Sheehan and Aidan Downes and a brilliant goalkeeping display from Irish keeper Darren Randolph helped secure an impressive away win.

“It was a crazy game and it could have ended up at any score,” said the Irish boss.

“Darren Randolph’s first-half display was remarkable and Michael Spillane made one unbelievable clearance of his line to ensure we went in 1-0 up at the break.

“It was a great bonus to score two in the second half because it was near enough from all we created after the break.

“It’s great to have a victory. People will open their papers in the morning to see Ireland’s under-21 side won away from home and that’s always a boost.”

The Irish boss is preparing his side for a tough UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier against England at Turner’s Cross on Tuesday.

He gave debuts to Everton’s Downes, Norwich’s Spillane, Bristol City’s Stephen Henderson, Seamus Coleman of Sligo Rovers, Blackburn’s Alan Judge and Nottingham Forest’s Alan Power.

“It was satisfying was to come to a place like Sweden, give all the kids a run and secure a victory,” said Givens.

“These young lads have shown they can score away from home. With Aidan Downes and Jim O’Brien up front we had to play a certain style because we were lacking from the physical side.

“There were a lot of pluses overall and now it’s about trying to take this into the England game on Tuesday.”