Striker Billy Clarke has been named in the starting line-up for the Republic of Ireland U21 side's opening game at Intercontinental Cup in Malaysia this afternoon in which they face the hosts. Clarke, who yesterday was one of five players transfer-listed by boss Jim Magilton, will win his eighth U21 cap.

Despite the Irish fielding an U21 side, the tournament is actually an U23 competition, but coach Don Givens says this should not prove too much of a disadvantage: "The lads on this squad are here because they want to be. They have the hunger and the attitude to be a real force in this tournament and, even if we don't win it, I can guarantee that the lads will give their all to proudly represent their country.”

Ireland play Nigeria in their second game on Saturday and Iraq in their final match next Tuesday.

Republic of Ireland U21s: Shane Redmond - Nottingham Forest, Eddie Nolan - Blackburn Rovers, Darren Dennehy - Everton, Michael Spillane - Norwich City, Shane Lowry - Aston Villa, David Elebert – Hamilton Academicals, Michael Collins – Huddersfield Town, James Berrett – Huddersfield Town, Keith Treacy - Blackburn Rovers, Billy Clarke - Ipswich Town, Stephen Ward - Wolverhampton Wanderers (captain), Substitutes: Paul Skinner – Celtic, Simon Madden – Leeds United, James Ryan – Shrewsbury Town, Mark Salmon – Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stephen Maher - Yeovil Town, Karl Moore - Manchester City, Alan Judge - Blackburn Rovers.

Photo: Action Images

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