Defender Gareth McAuley says he feels fit, strong and confident after the Blues’ unbeaten start to the season. McAuley is amongst the seven Town players in international action this evening or over the weekend.
McAuley, who is set to win his 23rd cap when Northern Ireland open their Euro 2012 campaign in Slovenia tonight, says he’s enjoying life at Portman Road: "Everything at the club has just settled down. Everyone is now used to the coaching and used to the levels of fitness that are expected. We are a very fit side. The pre-season was top-notch.
"You play 90 minutes and you feel like you could go again straight after it. We have got scientific staff, who do all the testing and it is very, very professional.
"I feel fit and strong and confident. I've had a good start personally as well as the team. It is going well at the minute."
Northern Ireland’s game with the Slovenians is live on Sky Sports One this evening (KO.7.45pm). Former Town loanee David Healy is also in the squad.
Current loan defender Darren O’Dea is likely to be on the bench for the Republic of Ireland when they begin their Euro 2012 games in Armenia this afternoon (Sky Sports One 3.55pm).
O’Dea, who has two full caps, injured his knee earlier in the week but the problem wasn’t as serious as was first feared. Ireland play Andorra at home on Tuesday.
Striker Tamás Priskin and keeper Márton Fülöp are with the Hungary squad for their Euro 2012 qualifier in Sweden. Fülöp has won 21 full caps, while Priskin has played for his country 27 times, netting seven international goals. The Hungarians take on Moldova at home on Tuesday.
Midfielder Conor Hourihane and full-back Shane O’Connor are with the Irish U21s for the final matches of their 2011 UEFA European Championships qualifying campaign. The Irish youngsters face Switzerland tonight and then Turkey on Tuesday, both away.
Hourihane recently made his debut for the U21s in the 5-0 victory over Estonia, claiming a goal, while O’Connor is yet to win a cap at this level. Ireland have no chance of progressing to the finals.
Jaime Peters is with the Canada squad, who play a friendly with Peru on Saturday in Toronto. On Tuesday they take on Honduras in another friendly in Montreal. Peters, 23, has previously won 22 full caps and has scored one international goal.