U-21 captain Cullen earmarks Germany clash as must-win
WHILE the seniors only have a friendly to contend with it tomorrow, Ireland’s U-21s face the ultimate test of their European Championship credentials when Germany visit Tallaght Stadium.
Failure to win Friday’s 1-1 draw in Kosovo leaves Ireland trailing the reigning champions with three qualifiers remaining.
Ireland have never reached a major tournament at U-21 level and they’ll only be guaranteed of creating history by finishing top.
Second spot could seal a play-off berth for Noel King’s side if it ranks as one of the fourth-best across the nine groups.
That’s why captain Josh Cullen believes nothing less than victory on home soil will suffice. Ireland conclude their group next month with away assignments in Israel and Germany.
“We’ve got three games left in the campaign and I think this home match against Germany is one we have to win,” said the midfielder, currently on loan at Charlton Athletic from West Ham.
“All of the games at the business end are must-wins in my view and I believe we’re capable of beating Germany.”
King, who like Martin O’Neill is without the influential Declan Rice, will rely heavily on 22-yearold Cullen to counteract a German side containing seven members of the squad that won the tournament last year. The playmaker admits an improved performance will be needed to win the biggest game of the campaign.
“That draw in Kosovo might turn out to be a good point, as other nations have struggled to get anything off them,” he said. “It wasn’t our best display and we’re capable of playing better.”
King is relieved to have Shaun Donnellan back in his squad. The Yeovil Town defender had been an ever-present in the campaign until injury ruled him out of Friday’s trip to the Balkans.
He has since recovered and will likely start in central defence in place in the suspended Ryan Sweeney. Cork City defender Shane McLoughlin earns his first call-up at this level to provide cover.
Ronan Curtis was also suspended for incurring his third yellow card of the campaign in Kosovo and has linked up with the senior squad in Poland.
Meanwhile, Cullen says he is thankful to Manuel Pellegrini for allowing him to leave West Ham on loan. The midfielder made a winning start to his stint at League One Charlton in last week’s 2-1 victory over Southend United.
Latics boss Lee Bowyer revealed that he had to persuade Pellegrini to allow Cullen join on a season-long loan.
The Argentine splashed out £100m on new signings, mostly midfielders, in the summer and Cullen took the lead in pushing for the move.
“I needed to be playing games,” said Southend-born Cullen.
“He (Pellegrini) was very supportive of me, saying I could stay around and try to push for my opportunity. But I couldn’t hold on to see how results went.”