Givens names U-21 side to take on England

Don Givens has named his starting XI to take on England in tomorrow night’s crucial UEFA U-21 European Championship qualifying match in Turner’s Cross.

Don Givens has named his starting XI to take on England in tomorrow night’s crucial UEFA Under-21 European Championship qualifying match in Turner’s Cross.

Cork-born Billy Clarke has recovered from a hip injury and will start the match up front, alongside Anthony Stokes and Adam Rooney.

Celtic’s Jim O’Brien will start in midfield, as will Owen Garvan of Ipswich Town and Stephen Quinn of Sheffield United.

Captain Darren O’Dea will be partnered in the centre of defence by Richard Keogh, with Eddie Nolan and Stephen O’Halloran occupying the full-back slots.

Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Darren Randolph has recovered from a knock taken during last Friday’s 3-2 victory in Sweden and will play.

Don Givens said: “Darren [Randolph] and Billy [Clarke] were both concerns but they have both trained today and I’m happy to start them both.

“This is a very strong team we can field. Playing England will be a real test because their team is made up of Premiership players, but we’re confident that we can cause them a few problems too.”

Tickets for the match are available from Turner’s Cross stadium or through any Ticketmaster outlet. Kick-off is 8pm.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 starting XI v England:

Darren Randolph (Charlton Athletic)

Eddie Nolan (Blackburn Rovers)

Richard Keogh (Huddersfield Town)

Darren O’Dea (Celtic)

Stephen O’Halloran (Aston Villa)

Jim O’Brien (Celtic)

Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town)

Stephen Quinn (Sheffield United)

Anthony Stokes (Sunderland)

Adam Rooney (Chesterfield)

Billy Clarke (Ipswich Town)