Givens will not gamble

With Ireland's hopes of qualifying for next year's European Championships long gone, Don Givens attempts to blend new players with some of the experienced faces for tonight's game against the Dutch at the Regional Sports Centre in Waterford.

With Clinton Morrison, Andy O'Brien and Steven Reid called into the senior squad,Givens had the opportunity to field a new-look side in this evening's game (Sky Sports 1, ko 7.30) but the manager said yesterday that, given the strength of the opposition, he would rely on some of his more established players to provide stability within the team.

"They're a very good side," he said yesterday, "and it would be a little unfair to play a team of youngsters against them so I'll stick with some of the regulars. Aside from that, it's the first time that I'll have had Stephen McPhail and Richard Sadlier and so I'm keen to let them go out there and shine before moving on into the senior ranks.

"But it is also a chance for the likes of Keith Foy, Thomas Butler and Graham Barrett to continue their progression. They've all done well for me before and I'll be hoping that they can make an impression again."

One of those included for tonight's game is 20-year-old localman, John O'Shea, who returns to the side after his outing with the seniors against Croatia.

Since moving to England from Waterford Bohemians, the bulk of the central defender's first-team experience came during loan spells away from Old Trafford but he insists the time has come to start making the breakthrough into Alex Ferguson's first team.

"I have two seasons left on my contract. I've done my time on loan and now I'm determined to make it happen at Old Trafford. Alex Ferguson and myself chat regularly and he keeps pushing me. He says I have it all, that I've pace and can play, but that I have to intimidate centre forwards more."

Tonight's game will certainly provide a test for O'Shea and the rest of the Irish defence with the Dutch, who beat Givens' men 2-0 in Niijmegan a year ago, adding highly-rated Ajax midfielder Rafael van der Vaart to the team that won so well that day.

IRELAND: Murphy (Tranmere Rovers); Quinn (Coventry City), Gavin (Middlesbrough), O'Shea (Manchester United), Foy (Nottingham Forest); Butler (Sunderland), Healy (Celtic), McPhail (Leeds United), Byrne (West Ham); Sadlier (Millwall), Barrett (Arsenal).