Givens announces U-21 squad for Estonia qualifier

Republic of Ireland U-21 manager Don Givens today named an 18-man squad for next month’s European Championship qualifier in Tallinn against Estonia on September 9 (kick off: 3pm Irish time).

Included in the squad are Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Jay O’Shea (Birmingham City) and Cillian Sheridan (on loan at Plymouth Argyle from Celtic).

Lanre Oyebanjo (Histon), James McKeown (Peterborough United) and James Collins (Aston Villa) are included in the squad for the first time.

Reading midfielder Scott Davies is also in line to make his debut for Ireland at this level.

Manager Don Givens said that he was delighted to name such a strong squad for the fixture: "Estonia are a good side, they work very hard and will make it difficult for us, especially since they are at home.

"They went to Switzerland earlier this month and won. I saw that match and I was impressed by them. It’s a tricky fixture for us but I’m very happy with the squad I have.

"A lot of the players are experienced at this level having been regulars with the Under-21s for some time now. We also have a few new faces in the squad, so I am looking forward to getting a close look at those players. This is a strong squad, one that is certainly capable of making an impact in the European Championship qualifiers."

Republic of Ireland U-21 squad v Estonia: Shane Redmond (Burton Albion), James McKeown (Peterborough United), Michael Spillane (Norwich City), Brendan Moloney (Notts County), Darren Dennehy (Hereford United), Shane Lowry (Aston Villa), Ian Bermingham (Shamrock Rovers), Lanre Oyebanjo (Histon), Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons), David Meyler (Sunderland), Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Alan Judge (Plymouth Argyle), Jay O’Shea (Birmingham City), Scott Davies (Reading), Cillian Sheridan (Plymouth Argyle), Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace), James Collins (Aston Villa)