Sport

Givens says there are no big egos in present squad

EUROPEAN UNDER-21 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING GROUP TWO Republic of Ireand v Turkey, Venue: Turner's Cross, Kick-off: 7.45

Tue Mar 31 2009 - 01:00

EUROPEAN UNDER-21 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING GROUP TWORepublic of Ireand v Turkey, Venue:Turner's Cross, Kick-off:7.45

REPUBLIC OF Ireland under-21 manager Don Givens said yesterday he is happy with the form shown by his side going into tonight’s crucial European Championship qualifying match against top seeds Turkey at Turner’s Cross (kick-off 7.45pm).

“There might not be as much individual talent as with past groups but as a group they’re great to work with,” said Givens whose charges recorded an impressive 2-1 friendly win against Spain in Waterford on Friday.

“Whereas in the past, we might have had three or four really strong players, now it’s actually a hard job to pick 18 if everyone is fit. I wouldn’t say that out of this group, with the exception of Eddie Nolan, there would be anyone ready to step up. Maybe we’ll get to keep this group together for a little while so it will be an advantage for us in that way.

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“Any time you manage to beat one of the big nations is very satisfying for all of us but especially the lads. Following on from the German performance, it was very good so I’m delighted. It’s a great psychological boost for them that we know we can cope with that kind of opposition.

“Turkey are going to be fairly similar to Spain. Not the biggest physically but very quick, technical players. We coped well in Waterford and I’m hoping for a similar performance and a positive result.

“I’ve said all along that this is a very good bunch of players. Not only are there good footballers in among them, mentally they’re a strong group. There’s nobody with any egos. Nobody’s trying to be the star man so it works great. They work together. They all have opinions as well, which hasn’t been the way with past players at this level.

“When you’re talking about dead-ball situations, they actually give back information and ask would they not be better off doing this or that. It means they’re thinking about it instead of nodding their head at whatever you suggest to them.”

Shamrock Rovers defender Ian Bermingham was a late addition to the squad and, in the only change from Friday’s victory, was thrown straight in at left back due to the forced withdrawals of Séamus Coleman (ankle) and Michael Liddle (groin).

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND:S Redmond (Eastwood Town); B Moloney (Nottm Forest), E Nolan (Preston, capt), D Dennehy (Hereford), I Bermingham (Shamrock Rovers); S Gleeson (MK Dons), O Garvan (Ipswich Town), D Meyler (Sunderland); A Judge (Plymouth Argyle), J O'Shea (Galway), C Sheridan (Motherwell).