Striker Billy Clarke could make his eighth Republic of Ireland U21 appearance this afternoon when his side start their Intercontinental Cup campaign in Malaysia with a game against the hosts. Yesterday, Clarke was one of five players transfer-listed by boss Jim Magilton.

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.

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

Photo: Action Images

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