King urges U-21s to maintain momentum

Noel King has challenged his Republic of Ireland U-21 players to pick up where they left off as they prepare to head into European Championship battle with Turkey.

The Republic drew 2-2 with Group 7 leaders Italy at the Showgrounds, Sligo, in June, and are currently two points adrift of the second-placed Turks with two games in hand.

A strong finish to the campaign – they have three qualifiers left to play - could yet see them make next summer’s finals in Israel with the 10 group winners and four best runners-up going through.

King is hoping that progress will begin back in Sligo on Tuesday August 14 against Turkey.

He said: “The Turkey game is massive for us. We have three very big games left in the group, but we have to pick up where we left off against Italy in June.

“We will be looking for the Sligo public to come out and give us the same fabulous support we’ve had at the Showgrounds so far in the tournament, and I’d love to see supporters coming from further afield to support the lads.”

King named his squad for the game today and was able to include Rob Kiernan, Adam Barton and Conor Henderson after injury.

Squad: Ian McLoughlin (MK Dons), Aaron McCarey (Wolves), John Egan (Sunderland), Greg Cunningham (Bristol City), Gavin Gunning (Dundee United), Rob Kiernan (Wigan), Shane Duffy (Everton), Niall Canavan (Scunthorpe), Jeff Hendrick (Derby), Adam Barton (Preston), Conor Henderson (Arsenal), Richie Towell (Unattached), Conor Clifford (Chelsea), Samir Carruthers (Aston Villa), Eunan O’Kane (Bournemouth), Robbie Brady (Manchester United), Aidan White (Leeds), Aaron Doran (Inverness), Sean Murray (Watford), Sean Scannell (Huddersfield), Rhys Murphy (SC Telstar), James Collins (Swindon).