Dixon named in Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad

Striker Terry Dixon has been named in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad to take on Armenia in the Tallaght Stadium on March 3^rd. The 20-year-old, who has overcome a series of serious knee injuries over recent seasons, makes his return to the Ireland Under-21 set-up over three years after making his debut at this level.

Dixon made his Under-21 debut against Belgium in 2006, the same year as he was named in the Republic of Ireland senior squad for their match against Chile. After suffering from a series of injuries, Dixon has recently returned to action at West Ham United, signing for the London club in February 2009.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Don Givens believes the striker’s return to fitness should see him put a difficult couple of years behind him:

“I have watched Terry at West Ham and he seems to be beginning to show the sort of form that made him stand-out so much before his injuries. He has been terribly unfortunate over the last few years but he seems to be putting that behind him now. There is no doubt that he is a great talent. He was out of the game for a long time but it is great to see him back playing and I’m really looking forward to having him involved with the squad.”

Givens today named an 18-man squad for the match against Armenia, with Stephen Gleeson (suspended) the only forced absentee. Ian Daly, who plays his club football in Greece with Aris Thessaloniki, is named in the Under-21 squad for the first time, having previously represented his country at Under-19 level.

UEFA Under-21 European Championship qualifier March 3^rd, 2010

Republic of Ireland                 v          Armenia

Tallaght Stadium                                 7.30pm

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.