Dixon boosts Republic's Under-21s

Terry Dixon is in the Republic's Under-21 panel

Tottenham prospect Terry Dixon has been included in the Republic of Ireland's Under-21 squad for the Uefa qualifying game against Belgium on 1 September.

The 16-year-old striker was in the last two senior squads and his inclusion is seen as a major boost to the Irish as they aim for the next qualifying stage.

Ireland face Belgium in Galway having beaten Greece 2-0 on 16 August.

A win at Terryland Park would give Don Givens' side top spot in the group and a two-legged play-off in October.

The winner of that will join six other nations and hosts Holland in next year¿s European Championship finals.

Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson, who had to pull out of the Greece game because of injury, is retained in the squad.

The final game of the group takes place on 6 September when Belgium play Greece in Antwerp.

Republic squad: Colin Doyle (Birmingham), Darren Quigley (UCD), Kevin Foley(Luton Town), Paul McShane (West Brom), Alex Bruce (Ipswich), Marcos Painter (Birmingham City), Darren O'Dea (Celtic), Glenn Whelan (Sheffield Wed), Willo Flood (Cardiff), Paul Keegan (Drogheda Utd), Michael Timlin (Fulham), Darron Gibson (Manchester United), Kevin Deery (Derry City), Jay Tabb (Coventry City), Roy O'Donovan (Cork City), Andy Keogh (Scunthorpe Utd), Stephen Ward (Bohemians), Terry Dixon (Tottenham Hotspur).