King looking for decent dress rehearsal

Soccer:Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Noel King is hoping for an encouraging performance from his side in their final warm-up match before they embrace the upcoming 2013 UEFA qualifying campaign that begins next month.

The Irish side face Austria at the Showgrounds tomorrow night (Tuesday, 6.0) in what could prove a useful exercise head of their opening qualifying game against Hungary on September 1st at the same venue.

Everton defender Shane Duffy, who won his first Under-21 cap against Cyprus in February, is keen to use this friendly as a dry run for the Hungary qualifier. “I know most of the lads in the squad from playing in England or at international level and they’re a good group of players,” said the 19-year-old.

“We’re all at good clubs, learning from great managers, and we want to start this qualifying campaign well. I played at the Showgrounds last season for Everton in my first game back after my injury. We play here again in a few weeks but we’re looking forward to this game.

“For me, I love playing for Ireland. You always want to play at the highest level but I’m happy with the Under-21s. I have to prove that I’m capable of stepping back up to the seniors but, at the moment, I’ve a lot to learn.”

The Republic of Ireland will follow their opening qualifier on September 1st against Hungary with a trip to Turkey five days later before meeting the other group opponents Liechtenstein and Italy. King was forced into making two changes following the withdrawal of Adam Barton (Preston North End) and Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace) over the weekend.

York City defender Lanre Oyebanjo has been added along with Aaron Greene from local Airtricity League club Sligo Rovers. Daniel Kearns is the only fitness concern and the Dundalk winger will undergo a pre-match fitness test on his ankle injury. King has indicated that former Aidan White, a midfielder with 15 first-team games at Leeds United under his belt, will make his Ireland debut at some stage during the contest.