Givens prepares to make changes
Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Don Givens is planning a summer of change following his side's virtual elimination from the European Championship qualifiers.
A 2-2 draw against Israel at Longford’s Flancare Park last night has left Givens with nothing more than the threadbare hope of finishing Group Four as runners-up, which earns a place in the play-offs.
But with France and Switzerland in far stronger positions, Givens knows the Republic’s chances of reaching the finals for the first time are all but over, courtesy of another poor first-half performance.
Israel led 2-0 at the break with goals from Moshe Ohayon and Gal Alberman, and despite a second-half revival as Ireland hit back through Daryl Murphy and Kevin Doyle, the point was not enough to keep their hopes alive.
Givens is to now look towards the future and the next qualifying campaign as he said: “With qualification more or less gone, we need to make decisions whether to bring in any of the next squad for our last three matches to give them experience.
“It won’t be en bloc, but we will maybe filter a few in to try and build some momentum for the next qualification. We’ve already the likes of Joe O’Brien, Henry McStay, Willo Flood, Aiden McGeady and Patrick Cregg, so we’ve already got a good platform.
“It’s something we will have a look at in the next month or so, as well as deciding who will make way with this being their last campaign.
“I’m not sure who yet because we need to maintain a balance and keep some foundations in place, and then feed the others in.”
For England-bound duo Murphy and Doyle, they at least had a smile on their faces after helping Ireland end a miserable run of four successive defeats.
Waterford striker Murphy, who on Friday had his £100,000 (€145,000) move to Barclays Premiership-newcomers Sunderland rubber-stamped, scored his first goal for the under-21s on his eighth appearance.
As for Cork’s Doyle, who made it four goals in 10 games, he looks set to join Reading providing the Coca-Cola Championship side can reach an agreement with the eircom League club.
“I went over and had a look on Thursday and it’s a great place,” said Doyle, who is also believed to be interesting Stoke and Burnley.
“I haven’t spoken to Steve Coppell yet as he’s been away on holiday, but I have spoken to the Reading people and their technical director. I was very happy with what I saw and everything’s looking good, but we will just have to wait and see.
“The bid is in from them, so it’s up to Cork and Reading to get together and sort it out. But I’m delighted there are clubs interested. It’s good to be in the limelight.”
Murphy, meanwhile, has signed a two-year deal with the Black Cats and concedes senior Ireland international Stephen Elliott was an influence on his decision to join.
After watching his former U-21 team-mate score 16 goals in Sunderland’s promotion to the top flight last season, he said: “It will give me a boost to be with the likes of Stephen. He had a great season, but we always knew he was capable of it. He went out and proved to everyone he is quality player, and showed to Manchester City especially they shouldn’t have let him go.
“Hopefully, he will bang in the goals next season in the Premiership, and he will help me along the way.”
