Givens names team for opening qualifier

Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Don Givens today named his starting XI for tomorrow’s European Championships qualifying match against Turkey, which will take place at Turner’s Cross (kick-off 7.45pm).

Givens has named a similar team to that which defeated Spain 2-1 at the RSC last Friday night.

Shamrock Rovers defender Ian Bermingham will start on the left side of defence, following the forced withdrawals of both Seamus Coleman (ankle) and Michael Liddle (groin). Coleman and Liddle were both this morning ruled out of the match after being assessed by the medical team, which led to Bermingham being called into the squad.

The inclusion of Bermingham is the only change in personnel from the team which defeated Spain.

Givens said that the team will go into the fixture full of confidence:

“Turkey will be a technically very good team. They will be similar to Spain, but we showed last Friday that we can more than match teams of that caliber. We are unbeaten in four matches – defeating Spain and Lithuania, and recording draws against Portugal and Germany – so we are hoping to keep that run going." he said.

Tickets for the match will be on sale at Turner’s Cross prior to kick-off, and are priced €15 for adults and €5 for Under-16s.

Republic of Ireland Under-21s v Turkey: Shane Redmond, Brendan Moloney, Eddie Nolan, Darren Dennehy, Ian Bermingham, Stephen Gleeson, Owen Garvan, David Meyler, Jay O’Shea, Cillian Sheridan, Alan Judge.