King hints at changes for Israel game

Ireland U-21 boss Noel King has hinted that he may make changes for Monday's European Championships qualifier against Israel.

Ireland U-21s sit top of Group 5 on seven points from three matches, following Thursday's goalless draw with Norway at Tallaght Stadium.

Germany lie second with two wins from two matches, after their 6-1 win over Azerbaijan in Cottbus on Friday, while Israel are also unbeaten with four points from two matches following their 3-1 home win over Azerbaijan in August, and a goalless draw in Norway last month.

King selected the same starting eleven for Thursday's game against Norway as for the 3-1 win over Azerbaijan in September, but the Ireland manager hinted he may make changes for Monday's game against Israel in Tallaght, which will be shown live on eir Sport 1 [kick off 3.30pm].

 "We've had two elevens the same in the last two games so we'll have to see what happens overnight," he said.

"We'll name the team before kick-off and whatever team I pick, they'll be capable of getting the job done. 

"We've got plenty of threats on the bench to call upon if needed as well. We've been together for nine days and eight nights now so there is one focus, and that is Israel.

"The aim is to get the win of course, to be in a situation with 10 points out of 12 would be great but we can't just talk about, we need to go out there and win it."

King expects Israel to play a more technical brand of football than Leif Gunnar Smerud's Norway, who looked to outmuscle Ireland in Thursday's match.

"We go into the game full of confidence. We did well against Norway and were disappointed not to come out of the game with a win in the end," he continued.

"We played really well in patches and created plenty of chances throughout the game so we can use that and go forward into the Israel game tomorrow full of confidence.

"Israel will pose a different kind of threat. They're not as physical as Norway, very technical in their play and we'll have to adjust our approach slightly to face up to that challenge. 

"They can give us problems but we can give them problems as well and we can only optimistic going into the game."

The Republic of Ireland's Under-21 European Qualifier Group 5 qualifier against Israel at Tallaght Stadium on Monday, 9 October will be shown live on eir Sport 1 from 3.25pm [KO 3.30pm].

Photo Inpho/ Tommy Dickson

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