OWEN Garvan has put plans to scupper England on the back burner while he prepares to help Ipswich Town turn around their away-day blues at Burnley tonight.

By Derek Davis

OWEN Garvan has put plans to scupper England on the back burner while he prepares to help Ipswich Town turn around their away-day blues at Burnley tonight.

Garvan, along with Billy Clarke, has been called into the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad to face England in Cork later this month, and in a friendly against Sweden four days earlier.

Goalkeeper Shane Supple, who could be in line for a start at Turf Moor tonight in place of the under-pressure Neil Alexander, has been named in the Irish Under-21 squad for the first time for the game in Uppsala, but is only on stand-by for the 18-man squad to face the English.

Blues team-mate Chris Casement has also been called up for the Northern Ireland Under-21s to play Israel on October 17.

Garvan made his Under-21s debut last month, going on as a substitute against Portugal, and admits he is thrilled at the prospect of playing against the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Tom Huddlestone and Mark Noble, at international level.

The Dubliner said: “This is the one everyone has been waiting for back home. We feel we can prove a point and show we are a good side and go on to do something in the competition.

“It was a massive boost for me to be selected last time and again for these matches.

“Just to be in the squad was amazing after being out so long and I was delighted to get my half and make my Under-21 debut for Ireland. It was shame we didn't do better against a very good Portugal side.

“It was the first time I had played at Turners Cross (Cork City's home ground) and I'm sure come the England game it will be packed to the rafters and with all the anthems and everything the atmosphere will be well charged.

“Billy always does well there as he is a Cork lad and I know he is looking forward to it too.”

But Garvan's immediate concern is three points at Turf Moor tonight.

He said: “Before the England match I'm purely focused now on Ipswich and these two games - Burnley tonight and Preston on Saturday.

“Even with the way we are this season, every game is winnable. We are not picking up the right results away at the moment but that will change sooner rather than later.”

The 19-year-old is also enjoying the added responsibility of taking corners and most of the free kicks.

He said: “I enjoy taking the set plays but I would like to see us score more from them. A lot of games are won at set plays and we need to do to other teams what some have done to us.”