Don Givens is asking the Irish u21 team to be patient against the Dutch tonight in Nijmegan as the European Championship qualifiers kick-off.

Givens is calling on his team to play in a continental style, which means holding onto the ball instead of giving it away cheaply. Ireland warmed up for the game with a friendly against an Arsenal XI and put in a solid display, finally winning 2-0 with goals from Gary Doherty and Crystal Palace midfielder Stephen Hunt.

"We defeated a very accomplished Arsenal side, that comprised mainly of highly rated reserves, by keeping possession for 75% of the 90 minutes.

"After losing 3-0 to Portugal in our final Toulon Tournament game in June, I hammered home the message that losing the ball spells trouble. It's about playing the continentals at their own game and there's no reason why we cannot match them," said Given.

Ireland probable: Joe Murphy, Colin Healy, Jason Gavin, John O'Shea, Clive Clarke, Richie Patridge, Barry Quinn, James O'Connor, Alan Quinn, Gary Doherty, Graham Barrett.