Australia (u23) Vs Rep.of Ireland (u23)

[kokoras]

FROM FAI

The Republic of Ireland’s chances of achieving victory in today’s Under-23 Intercontinental Cup semi final against Australia in Malaysia (2pm Irish time) have been dealt a serious blow. Five members of the squad have been affected by viral enteritis, an illness common among people travelling overseas.

Eddie Nolan and Darren Dennehy are definitely not going to be fit to play in today's tie while team captain, Stephen Ward and top goal scorer, Michael Collins, are both unlikely to be able to play a full 90 minutes.
The other player affected is James Berrett, who is suspended for the Australia match, but he is on the road to recovery. This means that Givens only has 13 players fit with question marks hanging over the fitness of Ward and Collins.

Nolan and Dennehy have become dehydrated as a result of the illness and they have been put on a course of intravenous fluids to help them in their recovery.

Professor Conal Hooper, the Irish team doctor, has assured everyone that there is no cause for alarm and that the players affected will make a full recovery.

He said: “There is no serious threat to the players and I have taken every precaution to ensure that they will get over the illness as soon as possible.”

Don Givens’ squad had already been depleted by injuries and withdrawals prior to leaving for Malaysia but in spite of this his team has exceeded all expectations in qualifying for the semifinal of the tournament.

Givens commented: “Obviously my first concerns lie with the players affected. They have put a lot of work into this tournament and this has come at a really bad time for them”.

‘It will be tough for us tonight but we’ll give it our all. I’m just hoping that we will be able to have 11 players out there at the end of the match.’

Although this is a huge blow to Givens preparations for tonight’s match he is still optimistic that his side can cause some trouble for Australia

“The atmosphere amongst the lads has been great and there is very little we can do about this situation.

“Despite these problems these lads are going to go out there and give their all to give the Australians a good game.’

AUSTRALIA HAS 4 PLAYERS RETURN BACK TO SYDNEY FOR FRIENDLY AGAINST GHANA BUT STILL TO STRONG TO BEAT IRELAND