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King expects next generation to press their claims

REPUBLIC OF Ireland under-21 manager Noel King believes his players can press their claims for promotion to the senior ranks …

Mon Nov 14 2011 - 00:00

REPUBLIC OF Ireland under-21 manager Noel King believes his players can press their claims for promotion to the senior ranks starting with tonight’s European Championship qualifier against Liechtenstein at the Showgrounds in Sligo.

King has developed a close rapport with Giovanni Trapattoni since taking the job and will continue to brief him on emerging talent as a place at the 2012 European Championships edges closer for the senior team.

Greg Cunningham, already the holder of three senior caps, along with prospects Robbie Brady and Shane Duffy, are likely to be in the under-21 side tonight that is chasing their third victory from four qualifiers.

“I speak to the senior manager on a regular basis and brief him on how the lads are faring,” said King. “It will be great for everyone if the senior team qualify and a further incentive for the lads in my squad to keep doing well at this level and for their clubs.

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“Our own campaign at under-21 has begun in positive fashion and another win tonight would be crucial heading into next year when we host the top seeds Italy and Turkey at home.

“We are challenging each other to achieve something that has not been done previously at under-21 level, which is to qualify. There is still a long way to go, but we have made a good start.”

With no withdrawals from his original 18-man squad, King’s team is unlikely to show any changes from the 4-1 win in Liechtenstein last month.

James Collins, the scorer of a hat-trick in Eschen that night, will lead the attack again.

There was good news for the Shrewsbury Town striker over the weekend when charges against him arising from a motorway incident last month were dropped. He was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his former Aston Villa teammate Barry Bannan that crashed into the central median.

Both were arrested near the location before being charged with drink-driving and leaving the scene of an accident. While Bannan faces court proceedings, his co-accused won’t have that burden hanging over him.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (probable): McLoughlin (MK Dons); Connolly (Bolton Wanderers), Duffy (Scunthorpe), Kiernan (Wigan Athletic), Cunningham (Manchester City); Towell (Hibernian), Clifford (Yeovil Town), Barton (Preston North End); Brady (Hull City), Collins (Shrewsbury Town), White (Leeds United).