Don Givens has challenged his under-21 players to extend their four-match unbeaten run when they face Russia tomorrow night and in doing so capture the attention of Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr.
Givens' team have made steady progress in recent months and are unbeaten this summer as they go into the under-21 Championship clash with the Russians in Waterford.
The mood in the camp is positive despite the team having just one point from the campaign and being out of the qualifying race with two matches remaining.
"We are unbeaten in four matches and I hope the lads can keep things going," said Givens. "I shall be talking to the lads about building on their recent performances and I shall remind them it is all about them catching Brian Kerr's eye."
Winger Wes Hoolahan has been allowed to return to Shelbourne where he is needed for an important league clash with Derry, while influential midfielder Sean Thornton has gone back to Sunderland with a knee injury.
That has presented opportunities for Manchester City's Steve Elliott and Newcastle's Steve Brennan, who have both been promoted to the squad from the under-20 side who beat the Czech Republic 3-0 in a friendly last night.
Ireland will be hoping to avenge the 2-0 defeat they suffered in Russia when they kicked off this campaign back in September but, with just this match and next month's trip to Switzerland to come, Givens' youngsters are playing for pride and the chance the make an impression on the senior team manager.
PA