Republic of Ireland U21 manager Noel King

Republic of Ireland U21 manager Noel King


Republic of Ireland U21 Head Coach Noel King has reduced his squad for this week’s UEFA U21 Championships Qualifying Round Group 2 fixtures against Lithuania and Italy.
The Irish host the Lithuanians at the RSC in Waterford on Friday, October 9 (5.45pm, then travel to Vicenza to face the Italians on Tuesday, October 13 (4.00pm Irish).
After victories in their opening two games against Andorra home and away the Irish are in a healthy position heading into the Lithuanian fixture and King wants home advantage to tell to maintain a 100 per cent winning start to the group. Lithuania have lost all three of their opening games.
“Unfortunately we lost Tommie Hoban and Brian Lenihan through injury but losing players is always part of international football and it allows opportunities for others to show what they are capable of,” said King.
“We’ll hope that everybody comes clear of their games over the weekend and that we can focus on the Lithuania game from there.
“This is a big game for us and we’ll be looking for a strong home support. We’re playing well as a team but we just need to keep improving and keep it going.
“I’ve seen a lot of Lithuania. They are big and strong and will try to play and win the game. They were caught on the break against Andorra after having all the possession so there’s a lesson in that.”
Fixtures:
Friday, October 9, UEFA U21 Championships Qualifying Round Group 2
Republic of Ireland v Lithuania, RSC, Waterford (5.45pm).
Tuesday, October 13
UEFA U21 Championships Qualifying Round Group 2
Italy v Republic of Ireland, Romeo Menti, Vicenza (4.00pm Irish