UEFA UNDER-21 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING: The Republic of Ireland's side will look to get off to a positive start when they face Portugal at Turner's Cross tonight (live on Sky Sports 3, 7.30pm), reports Stephen Finn.
Ireland have never qualified for the European finals at this level before and face a difficult battle to qualify for next year's tournament in Sweden as England, Bulgaria and Montenegro also feature in Group Three.
"If we were to finish in the top two in this group it would be a tremendous achievement," said Ireland manager Don Givens.
With Tony Kane opting to switch back to Northern Ireland, Blackburn club-mate Eddie Nolan gets a chance to stake a claim after being named in the starting line-up.
"I'm more than happy to start Eddie Nolan instead. He looks a player of quality with good technique and versatility," added Givens.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND UNDER-21 (v Portugal): Randolph (Charlton Ath); Nolan (Blackburn Rovers), Keogh (Bristol City), O'Dea (Celtic), O'Halloran (Aston Villa), Gleeson (Wolves), Cregg (Falkirk), Quinn (Sheffield Utd), O'Brien (Celtic), Rooney (Stoke), Clarke (Ipswich Town).
