2013 UNDER-21 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS:THE REPUBLIC of Ireland Under-21s have been grouped with Italy, Turkey, Hungary and Liechtenstein for the 2013 Uefa European Championship qualifiers.

The 10 group winners and four best runners-up will qualify for 14 play-off matches, from which seven teams will contest the June 2013 tournament alongside hosts Israel.

“Obviously this is a very difficult draw as fourth seeds but overall I am happy with the teams drawn and the fixtures which were agreed,” said Ireland manager Noel King after the draw.

“Italy are former European champions at this level and if we want to develop as a team, we need to be pitting ourselves against sides with the quality of teams like Italy.”

King’s satisfaction with the fixtures is no doubt due largely in part to the fact his side will not travel to the Continent at the height of summer when heat might be a factor.

However, ending with away fixtures against Hungary and Italy in September 2012 is not ideal.

The opening fixture at home to Hungary on September 1st is followed by a trip to Turkey five days later.

Back-to-back fixtures against Liechtenstein follow in October and November before a seven-month break and the visit of Italy in June 2012.

Turkey then come to Ireland in August before the final two games away from home.

Qualifiers Fixtures

Thur, Sep 1st, 2011 – Ireland v Hungary. Tue, Sep 6th – Turkey v Ireland.

Tue, Oct 11th – Liechtenstein v Ireland.

Mon, Nov 14th – Ireland v Liechtenstein.

Mon, Jun 4th, 2012 – Ireland v Italy.

Tue, Aug 14th – Ireland v Turkey.

Thur, Sep 6th – Hungary v Ireland.

Mon, Sep 10th – Italy v Ireland.