Givens regroups

In the wake of the Republic of Ireland Under-21 team's disappointing performance at the Toulon International Festival, Don Givens will look for an opportunity to get the squad together between now and the start of their European Championship campaign in September.

Like the seniors, the team faces tough trips to the Netherlands and Portugal in their opening matches and Givens readily admits that a considerable progression will be required if the Irish are to improve on results in France, where they lost two of their three group games.

"What we've seen here," said Givens, with particular reference to the 3-0 defeat by European Championship rivals Portugal on Monday evening, "is that we are lacking quality in certain areas while the attitude of some of our players leaves a lot to be desired.

That's certainly something that we will have to think about between now and the Dutch game although, ultimately, you do have to pick your best players."

The former Republic of Ireland striker said that he would explore the idea of getting his squad together again between now and the trip to the Netherlands, possibly at one of the English FA's training facilities, but added: "It's difficult to do it at a time when the clubs are trying to prepare the lads for the new season. I've been on the other side of the fence myself and you don't want to rub clubs up the wrong way." The performance of the team was undoubtedly affected by the loss of experienced players such as Richard Dunne, Jason Gavin and Andy O'Brien, who failed to make the trip due to a mixture of senior call-ups and injuries.

The hope would be that in September, with the players fresher and the senior international matches of more central importance, a wider range of options will be available to the Irish coach, who on this occasion found that he had to throw in too many young and inexperienced players into the fray.

Matters weren't helped by a string of injuries picked up over the course of the trip, with Gary Doherty, who missed Monday's game because of facial injuries suffered against Ghana amongst those showing signs of wear and tear during yesterday's journey home.

Nevertheless, the immediate future looks bright for the Spurs striker, as it does for Barry Quinn, both of whom may well still be called into the senior panel by Mick McCarthy for this week's trip to the United States.

In light of strong dissatisfaction expressed by their coach this week, other members of the Toulon panel will have to work hard after the summer break if they are to be sure of their places in the squad Givens takes with him to the Netherlands.