James Collins will make his first start for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21s in Georgia tomorrow as Don Givens’ men look for their first qualifier victory.
The Aston Villa striker, currently on loan at League Two Darlington, has three appearances as a substitute to his name but has been named alongside Cillian Sheridan and Sean Scannell in an attack-minded team.
There is a start too for fit-again Sunderland midfielder David Meyler as Givens attempts to breathe new life into his side’s campaign.
Ireland currently lie just one place off the foot of European Championship qualifying Group Two after three draws and a defeat in their opening four games.
One of those draws came against the Georgians at Tallaght Stadium last month, when Giorgi Ivanishvili’s 89th-minute equaliser denied the home side victory.
Givens said: “Georgia are a decent side but we were disappointed not to beat them in Tallaght. We were 1-0 up and conceded in the last minute, which was very disappointing.
“That match was typical of our campaign so far. We played well, created lots of chances, but just didn’t finish them. We have two matches over the next few days and, if we can find our touch in front of goal, we should be capable of getting two good results.”
Tomorrow’s game in Tbilisi will be followed by Tuesday’s trip to Yerevan and a clash with bottom of the table Armenia, who are yet to claim a point after four games.
Elsewhere in the group tomorrow, second-placed Turkey host leaders Switzerland, who drew in Ireland last month, while Armenia face Estonia.
