The Republic of Ireland Under-21s will prepare for their crucial 2013 UEFA Championship Group four qualifier against Italy on June 4 by hosting Denmark in a friendly a week earlier.

Noel King's side will take on the Danes at Tallaght Stadium on Monday, May 28 (7.30pm).

Ireland Head Coach King has indicated the warm-up game will be utilised to integrate some fringe players and newcomers into his set-up.

The squad then head west to Sligo to fine-tune preparations for the qualification tie against the Italians. This competitive fixture is scheduled for the Sligo Showgrounds on Bank Holiday Monday, June 4 (3pm).

Ireland have an unblemished record over three games in Sligo this season, beating Austria in a friendly last August before overcoming Hungary and Liechtenstein.

The Irish are currently in third spot of the UEFA qualification table, six points behind the Italians who have played a game more.

Second-placed Turkey - three points ahead of Ireland but with two more games played - present the biggest challenge for that potential play-off spot. However, first spot would be attainable for King's team should they prevail against the Azzurri.

Under-21 international fixtures:

Monday, May 28 – International Friendly: Ireland v Denmark, 19.30hrs. Venue: Tallaght Stadium.

Bank Holiday Monday, June 4 – UEFA EURO 2013 Qualifier: Republic of Ireland v Italy, 15.00hrs. Venue: The Showgrounds, Sligo.

The ticket details and squad will be announced early next week.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 Results 2011/12 season:

9 August 2011 (friendly): Republic of Ireland 2-1 Austria (Sligo Showgrounds)

1 September 2011 (qualifier): Republic of Ireland 2-1 Hungary (Sligo Showgrounds)

6 September 2011 (qualifier): Turkey 1-0 Republic of Ireland (Manisa)

11 October 2011 (qualifier): Liechtenstein 1-4 Republic of Ireland (Eschen)

14 November 2011 (qualifier): Republic of Ireland 2-0 Liechtenstein (Sligo Showgrounds).

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