16 year old in Irish squad

Sixteen-year-old Spurs striker Terry Dixon deserves his place in the Republic of Ireland senior squad, manager Steve Staunton has said.

Uncapped Dixon, a shock call-up for the friendly against Chile earlier this year, retained his place in Staunton's squad for next week's clash with Holland at Lansdowne Road.

The English-born youngster has yet to be called into the first-team squad at White Hart Lane, but Staunton feels he is the best 16-year-old in Ireland or England.

He said: "Terry is in the squad on merit and for what he produced in the training-camp in Portugal in May.

"You can see the quality he's got, and he can score goals. He's above any 16-year-old both in Ireland and England. He has to be given a chance.

"I could have brought in David Connolly but I know what he can do. Terry won't start against Holland but circumstances will dictate who comes on as the game goes on."