Republic of Ireland Under-21 boss Don Givens has slapped a sun block on his players ahead of their European Championship qualifying clash with Greece tomorrow.
In a truncated campaign, with UEFA switching the finals to odd years to avoid a clash with the World Cup and senior European Championship events, Ireland first face the Greeks at the Panionios Stadium in Nea Smyrni.
The Republic then meet Belgium in Galway's Terryland Park on September 1, with the three-team group completed five days later when Greece take on the Belgians.
Only the winners progress to a play-off in October, so Givens knows there is no margin for error in either fixture if Ireland are to come out on top.
It is why in searing heat pushing 40 degrees centigrade, Givens has banned his squad from going out during the day to avoid the sunshine sapping energy levels.
'It's very oppressive,' Givens said. 'We arrived early to acclimatise because it is very, very hot, which is going to be tough on the boys.
'So I've told the lads it is completely out of the question to go out in the sun because it does tire you out.
'I know it's hard on them, but I've said to them that that's the way it is because tomorrow's game is vital for us.
'We have to do what is necessary to prepare in the best way, so they know they are being kept in for a reason.'
It has meant Givens organising two short training sessions per day, with one in the morning and another in the evening around the 8pm local kick-off time.
On the back of a six-game unbeaten run this year - that includes five successive victories - Givens' side at least head into their next two matches with confidence.
Unlike the senior side that has been decimated by injury withdrawals ahead of tomorrow's friendly with Holland at Lansdowne Road, Givens in contrast was forced into one change before heading out to Greece.
After receiving his first call-up, Manchester United's 18-year old midfielder Darron Gibson pulled out, with UCD's Gary Dicker in as replacement.
Unfortunately for Givens, Coventry midfielder Jay Tabb has today been ruled out after sustaining a stomach muscle strain in training.
Republic of Ireland Under-21 Squad
Colin Doyle - Birmingham City
Darren Randolph - Charlton Athletic
Kevin Foley - Luton Town
Paul McShane - Manchester United
Alex Bruce - Birmingham City
Marcos Painter - Birmingham City
Darren O'Dea - Celtic
Glenn Whelan - Sheffield Wednesday
Willo Flood – Cardiff City
Paul Keegan - Drogheda United
Michael Timlin - Fulham
Gary Dicker - UCD
Kevin Deery - Derry City
Roy O'Donovan - Cork City
Andy Keogh - Scunthorpe United
Stephen Ward - Bohemians
Anthony Stokes – Arsenal
