Brian Kerr's Irish under-16s must deliver a performance and a result against Russia in Beer Sheva this morning if they are to resurrect their ambitions of making the quarter-finals of these UEFA Youth Championships, write Paul Buttner.
Having studied Russia's surprising 3-2 win over a dominant England in their opening game, the Irish camp approach the game in a confident manner.
However, Kerr has one or two selection worries ahead of this morning's 9.0 kick-off. Liam Kearney, regarded by Kerr as Ireland's best player against Portugal, has an injury to his left wrist and will play only if a special splint is acquired for it. Graham Ward, who has recovered from a groin injury, will come in for Kearney if necessary.
Sean Dillon will start at left back in place of Anthony Martin, whose error led to Portugal's winning goal on Monday.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (probable): Henderson (Aston Villa); Rossiter (Sunderland), Kelly (Tottenham), McCarthy (Manchester City), Dillon (Aston Villa); Thornton (Tranmere Rovers), Capper (Sunderland), Fahey (Aston Villa); Brennan (Newcastle United), Walker (Leeds United), Kearney (Nottingham Forest).
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