Injuries hamper Ireland's hopes

European U-19 Championship Elite Phase/Rep of Ireland v Hungary: A list of injury concerns has added to the loss of striker …

European U-19 Championship Elite Phase/Rep of Ireland v Hungary:A list of injury concerns has added to the loss of striker Anthony Stokes, who flew to New York with the senior squad yesterday, as the Republic of Ireland look for a favour in their hopes of qualifying for the finals in Austria in July ahead of their meeting with Hungary at United Park this evening.

Ireland must win their match and hope Germany, 1-0 winners over the Irish at Dalymount Park on Wednesday, don't beat Bulgaria at Belfield.

Cillian Sheridan will start up front with Adam Rooney while midfielder Robert Bayly returns from suspension.

Keith Treacy (ankle) is doubtful, while captain and left back Eddie Nolan (ankle) and central defenders Shane Lowry and Michael Spillane, both of whom lost toenails in the game against Germany, didn't train yesterday. Rooney, Jimmy Ryan and Alan Judge are also carrying knocks.

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"We'll not know until this morning when we give five or six of them fitness tests," said manager Seán McCaffrey. "We have to win the match and whatever happens happens, we can do nothing about that. But if we don't win the match we can't capitalise if there is a slip-up."

Also tonight: (7pm): Bulgaria v Germany (Belfield).