'To play against the top teams in Europe and compete is something that would excite the players' - Crawford confident as Troy Parrott returns for 21s
Republic of Ireland under-21 manager Stephen Kenny photographed with assistant Jim Crawford following a 2020 draw with Italy in Tallaght. Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
Six points. That’s what’s needed to all but guarantee an Irish side a first-ever appearance at an under-21 European Championships next summer.
A home game against Iceland followed by an away trip to Luxembourg will decide if Ireland can qualify as one of the five best second-placed teams.
Jim Crawford’s young guns can still finish in first position in the group but that depends on whether Italy drop points in Iceland.
That game had to be postponed in the last qualifying window due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Italian camp.
Striker Troy Parrott, who is on loan at Millwall from Tottenham Hotspur, is the notable addition to the squad for the first time in a year.
A combination of injury problems, Covid-enforced postponements and call-ups to the senior squad mean that Parrott hasn’t played with the side since November 2019.
The 24-man squad includes Luca Connell, who receives his first under-21 call-up, along with centre-half Mark McGuinness, who has impressed since going on loan to Ipswich Town from Arsenal.
Jason Knight drops back down to the squad after picking up his first senior cap in Finland, while Will Smallbone misses out through injury.
Darragh Leahy (Dundalk), Danny Grant, Danny Mandroiu (both Bohemians), Liam Scales (Shamrock Rovers) and Ed McGinty (Sligo Rovers) represent the League of Ireland contingent, throwing the cup quarter-finals fixed for the weekend of the 13th/14th/15th of November into doubt.
With men’s senior side missing out on qualification and the women’s senior side’s hopes hanging by a thread, Crawford’s side remains the last hope for Irish involvement in a major championship next year.
“It would mean a lot personally [to qualify],” said Crawford.
“But for the players it would be an unbelievable platform to go and show Europe and worldwide, the potential that they have.
“To play against the top teams in Europe and compete is something that would excite the players.”
The Toulon tournament, which took place last year, gave both the squad and the coaching staff an insight into international tournament football, something they hope to taste again next year.
“The players were more than capable playing against Brazil and China, and they want more of that. This is the window that they can make it happen, it would be an unbelievable opportunity for them.”
Parrott is available for selection for Millwall once more after overcoming an ankle injury, though Crawford is conscious of looking after the player when he comes into the Ireland camp.
“Troy is keen to represent his country. He has been training well and it is about us and the Millwall medical team coming up with some sort of agreement with regards to what will suit the player. We are not going to put anybody at risk,” said Crawford.
Ireland will host Iceland on Sunday the 15th of November in Tallaght Stadium before playing away to Luxembourg on the 18th.
Ireland under 21 squad:
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Rochdale on loan from Manchester City) Ed McGinty (Sligo Rovers)
Defenders: Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Darragh Leahy (Dundalk) Conor Masterson (Queens Park Rangers), Mark McGuinness (Ipswich Town on loan from Arsenal), Danny McNamara (St Johnstone on loan from Millwall), Lee O’Connor (Tranmere Rovers on loan from Celtic), Thomas O’Connor (Gillingham on loan from Southampton) Liam Scales (Shamrock Rovers)
Midfielders: Conor Coventry (West Ham), Luca Connell (Celtic), Will Ferry (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Danny Mandroiu (Bohemians), Connor Ronan (Grasshopper on loan from Wolves), Anthony Scully (Lincoln City) Jack Taylor (Peterborough United)
Forwards: Jonathan Afolabi (Dundee on loan from Celtic), Zack Elbouzedi (Lincoln City), Danny Grant (Bohemians), Joshua Kayode (Carlisle United on loan from Rotherham United), Michael Obafemi (Southampton) Troy Parrott (Millwall on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
UEFA Under-21 European Championship Qualifier - Group 1
15/11 - Republic of Ireland v Iceland, Tallaght Stadium, 12.30pm (Live on eir Sport)
18/11 - Luxembourg v Republic of Ireland, Beggen, 4.30pm (Irish time)
