Dixon named in Republic of Ireland U21 squad

Striker Terry Dixon has been named in the Republic of Ireland U21 squad to take on Armenia in the Tallaght Stadium on March 3.

The 20-year-old, who has overcome a series of serious knee injuries over recent seasons, makes his return to the Ireland U21 set-up three years after making his debut at this level.

Dixon made his U21 debut against Belgium in 2006, the same year as he was named in the Republic of Ireland senior squad for their match against Chile.

After suffering from a series of injuries, Dixon has recently returned to action at West Ham United, signing for the London club in February 2009.

Republic of Ireland U21 manager Don Givens believes the striker’s return to fitness should see him put a difficult couple of years behind him.

Givens said: "I have watched Terry at West Ham and he seems to be beginning to show the sort of form that made him stand-out so much before his injuries. He has been terribly unfortunate over the last few years but he seems to be putting that behind him now.

"There is no doubt that he is a great talent. He was out of the game for a long time but it is great to see him back playing and I’m really looking forward to having him involved with the squad."

Givens today named an 18-man squad for the match against Armenia, with Stephen Gleeson (suspended) the only forced absentee.

Ian Daly, who plays his club football in Greece with Aris Thessaloniki, is named in the U21 squad for the first time, having previously represented his country at U19 level.

Republic of Ireland U21s v Armenia:

Shane Redmond - Darlington

James McKeown - Peterborough United

Seamus Coleman - Everton

Kevin Long - Burnley

Callum Morris - Newcastle United

Olanrewaju Oyebanjo - Histon

Darren Dennehy - Gillingham

Cian Hughton - Lincoln City

David Meyler - Sunderland

Seamus Conneely - Galway United

Owen Garvan - Ipswich Town

Scott Davies - Reading

Conor Clifford - Chelsea

Alan Judge - Plymouth Argyle

Cillian Sheridan - St. Johnstone

Ian Daly - Aris Thessaloniki

Sean Scannell - Crystal Palace

Terry Dixon - West Ham United