Dixon named in Givens' Under-21s

Striker Terry Dixon has been named in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad to take on Armenia in the Tallaght Stadium on 3 March.

The 20-year-old, who has overcome a series of serious knee injuries over recent seasons, makes his return to the Ireland Under-21 set-up over three years after making his debut at this level.

Dixon made his Under-21 debut against Belgium in 2006, the same year as he was named in the Republic of Ireland senior squad for their match against Chile.

After suffering from a series of injuries, Dixon has recently returned to action at West Ham United, signing for the London club in February 2009.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Don Givens believes the striker’s return to fitness should see him put a difficult couple of years behind him.

Givens said: “I have watched Terry at West Ham and he seems to be beginning to show the sort of form that made him stand-out so much before his injuries.

‘He has been terribly unfortunate over the last few years but he seems to be putting that behind him now.

‘There is no doubt that he is a great talent. He was out of the game for a long time but it is great to see him back playing and I’m really looking forward to having him involved with the squad.’

Givens named an 18-man squad for the match against Armenia, with Stephen Gleeson (suspended) the only forced absentee.

Ian Daly, who plays his club football in Greece with Aris Thessaloniki, is named in the Under-21 squad for the first time, having previously represented his country at Under-19 level.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad to play Armenia at Tallaght Stadium on 3 March, kick-off 7.30pm.
Shane Redmond (Darlington), James McKeown (Peterborough United), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Kevin Long (Burnley), Callum Morris (Newcastle United), Olanrewaju Oyebanjo (Histon), Darren Dennehy (Gillingham), Cian Hughton (Lincoln City), David Meyler (Sunderland), Seamus Conneely (Galway United), Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town), Scott Davies (Reading), Conor Clifford (Chelsea), Alan Judge (Plymouth Argyle), Cillian Sheridan (St Johnstone), Ian Daly (Aris Thessaloniki), Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace), Terry Dixon (West Ham United).