Irish kids called up

Last updated : 09 October 2003 By Ben Collins
Stephen Elliott, Willo Flood and Glenn Whelan will travel to Switzerland for the Euro qualifier in Neuchatel on Friday night.

Ireland have no chance of qualifying for the finals so manager, Don Givens, has chosen to bring in some younger players.

"This is a chance for some players to push for regular places in the side at this level for the next few years," said Givens, who played for and managed the local side, Neuchatel Xamax.

Elliott is one of those that Givens will have a close eye on after scoring a hat-trick on his first start, a 5-1 win over Poland in August, and making a number of brief appearances in qualifiers.

"Stephen is going to be our number one striker for the next few years," said Givens. "He's a fantastic player and it's his chance to prove that he's the number one striker and it's up to other players to prove they can be his partner."

Elliott is the only likely starter from the three. Flood and Whelan were called on after injuries and were head of the queue after impressing at younger age levels.

Elliott and Flood have appeared regularly for the reserves this season, while Whelan is currently impressing on loan at Bury. Both Flood and Whelan made their first-team debuts against TNS in Cardiff, with Whelan coming on as a second-half sub.

Come back to Manchester City Mad on Friday evening to see how they get on.