Five players to watch

Ireland under-21 coach Don Givenscasts an eye over five of next week's likely senior debutants

Colin Doyle

Club: Birmingham Born: Cork

Age: 21

Position: Goalkeeper

When you take Shay Given out of the equation there's not a lot to choose between the contenders for the goalkeeper's jersey and Colin should get the chance to stake his claim over the coming week.

He's got the height (6ft 5ins), which is a major advantage in his position, and he has always had the makings of a very good goalkeeper. He has worked very hard to improve things like his movement and footwork and the results have been there for everyone to see during the last couple of weeks of the season.

The way he played in the run in for Birmingham will have done him the world of good and he should be full of confidence just now.

Stephen O'Halloran

Club: Aston Villa

Born: Cobh

Age: 19

Position: Central defender/

left back

Stephen's done very well for me, both in central defence and at left back.

He has a good left peg and he's one of those lads who would die for the cause. He clearly has the potential to go on to big things but one of the things that is very much in his favour is the fact that he's a naturally left-sided player looking to play left back. The position always tends to be a problem one for Ireland.

Steve Finnan plays there now for the senior team but obviously he's not a natural and so there is a real opportunity for Stephen if he can maintain his recent rate of progress.

Alex Bruce

Club: Ipswich

Born: Norwich

Age: 22

Position: Central defender

He's a decent player and his attitude is all that you could ask for. He's a very different player to his father (Birmingham City manager, Steve), he wouldn't have the same physical attributes as him but he's a nice footballer.

He's played more than 40 competitive games over the last year and when you're doing it that regularly at Championship level then all you can ask is the chance to show you can make another step up.

Darren Potter

Club: Wolves

Born: Liverpool

Age: 22

Position: Central midfield

He's been the subject of a great deal of talk for quite a while now but I think Darren is really beginning to fulfil his potential these days. It was always going to be very difficult for him at Liverpool where the opportunities for younger players are always going to be scarce and when he did get the odd chance it tended to be out wide on the right which really isn't his position.

The more he plays now the more confident he'll become. You start to feel a real part of the team and that means there is less pressure to make an impact every time you set foot on the pitch.

Darren is a good passer of the ball who keeps possession and uses the ball very well. He also works hard and isn't averse to a bit of defending.

Daryl Murphy

Club: Sunderland

Born: Waterford

Age: 23

Position: Striker

We have a few lads coming through to compete for the striking roles and the likes of Shane Long, Anthony Stokes and Andy Keogh all have the potential to make a big impact over the years ahead.

In a way, though, Daryl has a little bit of an advantage because of the physical side to his game. He's a big lad who has the physical presence and height to provide a different option for a manager.

Daryl has done brilliantly this season. He'll be confident after the way he finished the campaign at Sunderland and hopefully he'll carry that to America and into next season.

I can well understand why Roy Keane talks him up because any player who takes the knocks and gives you everything will be appreciated. He may not have the greatest pace but he's got a good touch and is very comfortable on the ball.