Post by Taxigirl on Mar 1, 2006 10:43:46 GMT
www.sportinglife.com/football
Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Don Givens is hoping the boost to morale gained from a three-game winning run will help his side's European Championship bid.
Ireland initially face a two-legged clash with Azerbaijan in May to reach the qualifying group stages that begin later this year.
But they go into those games against the Azeris on a high after their 1-0 victory over Sweden at Drogheda's United Park, coming hot on the heels of their recent Madeira Tournament success.
An opening 1-1 draw against the hosts stretched their winless streak to 10 matches, but they lifted the trophy for the second time in three years with back-to-back victories over Finland and Portugal.
Against the Swedes, on-song Bohemians striker Stephen Ward scored the only goal of the match 13 minutes from time, making it three in his last three games.
"It could have gone either way, but it went our way," said Givens.
"The lads played well, there were some great patterns of play, and overall it was a very satisfying performance.
"The victory, ahead of the games with Azerbaijan, will give the lads further confidence.
"At one stage it looked like it was going to be a goalless draw - a good one at that - but I'm happy to keep the morale high with a win.
"It's not going to be easy against Azerbaijan, though. I've seen them play, but we will do our best and prepare the best we can.
"We've got the quality, so we just need to get the players on song and their attitude right, and hopefully we'll get past Azerbaijan."
Givens experimented with three in the middle and three up front as that is what his side will face in Baku in the first leg on May 11.
At times, though, a dangerous Swedish side stretched the formation to a 4-5-1, leaving Ward often isolated on his own in attack.
But when his one and only chance arose, he grabbed it, driving home from 15 yards beyond replacement goalkeeper Marcus Sahlman after his initial shot had been saved.
Givens feels if Ward continues to impress he could become a target for English clubs, as Kevin Doyle was last year when Reading signed him from Cork City for £80,000.
"The form he is in, it might make it difficult for Bohemians to hang on to him," added Givens.
"He has certainly improved over the last few months, and even though he wasn't as good last night as he was in Madeira, he showed what he is all about because he had one chance and scored.
"There are going to be a few chasing him, I'm sure, but he has a bit of a groin problem, so for the sake of Bohs and ourselves at the moment, we need to look after that."
Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Don Givens is hoping the boost to morale gained from a three-game winning run will help his side's European Championship bid.
Ireland initially face a two-legged clash with Azerbaijan in May to reach the qualifying group stages that begin later this year.
But they go into those games against the Azeris on a high after their 1-0 victory over Sweden at Drogheda's United Park, coming hot on the heels of their recent Madeira Tournament success.
An opening 1-1 draw against the hosts stretched their winless streak to 10 matches, but they lifted the trophy for the second time in three years with back-to-back victories over Finland and Portugal.
Against the Swedes, on-song Bohemians striker Stephen Ward scored the only goal of the match 13 minutes from time, making it three in his last three games.
"It could have gone either way, but it went our way," said Givens.
"The lads played well, there were some great patterns of play, and overall it was a very satisfying performance.
"The victory, ahead of the games with Azerbaijan, will give the lads further confidence.
"At one stage it looked like it was going to be a goalless draw - a good one at that - but I'm happy to keep the morale high with a win.
"It's not going to be easy against Azerbaijan, though. I've seen them play, but we will do our best and prepare the best we can.
"We've got the quality, so we just need to get the players on song and their attitude right, and hopefully we'll get past Azerbaijan."
Givens experimented with three in the middle and three up front as that is what his side will face in Baku in the first leg on May 11.
At times, though, a dangerous Swedish side stretched the formation to a 4-5-1, leaving Ward often isolated on his own in attack.
But when his one and only chance arose, he grabbed it, driving home from 15 yards beyond replacement goalkeeper Marcus Sahlman after his initial shot had been saved.
Givens feels if Ward continues to impress he could become a target for English clubs, as Kevin Doyle was last year when Reading signed him from Cork City for £80,000.
"The form he is in, it might make it difficult for Bohemians to hang on to him," added Givens.
"He has certainly improved over the last few months, and even though he wasn't as good last night as he was in Madeira, he showed what he is all about because he had one chance and scored.
"There are going to be a few chasing him, I'm sure, but he has a bit of a groin problem, so for the sake of Bohs and ourselves at the moment, we need to look after that."