Jim Crawford names under-21 squad for Ireland Euro qualifiers against Italy and Sweden

David Wilson reports from FAI HQ

Jim Crawford has recalled Southampton’s Will Smallbone to his under-21 squad for the Republic of Ireland’s crucial home double header of European Championship qualifiers against Italy and Sweden. 

Smallbone returns to the squad after he picked up a long-term injury playing against Leicester City.

The under-21 staff are delighted to have him back. “I think he showed his character, his resilience to work through it and he’s back to a really good level of football fitness now,” said Crawford. “He’s played three and a half games so far. He’s up to a nice level of competitive minutes in his legs so it’ll be great to have him on board again.

“I spoke to him during the week and he’s looking forward to coming in. Everyone knows what a potential he has because Southampton rate him extremely highly and so do we. He’s athletic, he can see a pass, he’s very clever in possession and we are looking forward to him coming in,” said Crawford.

Brian Maher (Bray Wanderers), David Odumosu (Drogheda United), Andy Lyons, Dawson Devoy, Ross Tierney (all Bohemians), Liam Kerrigan and Colm Whelan (both UCD) represent the domestic contingent while Luke McNicholas on loan from Sligo Rovers currently plies his trade at Cliftonville north of the border. 

“The level of football has improved. The move to the summer football was a real injection into more technical players being developed. You see the really good surfaces that these players are learning their craft on,” said Crawford. 

“We’ve got Colm Whelan and Liam Kerrigan coming in for example, both are really technical players and Whelan can score goals. He’s in the First Division at the minute, but I think wherever he goes he will score goals because we’ve seen him at close quarters in training.”

Gavin Kilkenny is named in the squad, while some did expect him to be named in the Stephen Kenny’s senior contingent after putting in some impressive performances for Championship table-toppers Bournemouth, much to the delight of the manager. 

“I think he’s come on leaps and bounds. It just shows playing first team football how quickly you can develop. The level he’s playing at, Bournemouth are top of the championship, and he’s played a fantastic role in all the games.” 

Armstrong Oko-Flex is named in the squad for the first time despite both lining out for Ireland and England previously. The current West Ham United forward has been on the fringes of the Hammers first team and has already played at Arsenal and Celtic in a fledgling career. 

“Armstrong (Oko-Flex) is an exciting talent. I’ve seen him a number of times albeit with the West Ham under-23s. I think he’s been performing very well, scoring goals.

“I’ve seen him play wide left, but I know he can play on either side. He can also play through the middle as well, so he’s somebody that we’ve had an eye on for a long time. I think it’s a great opportunity for him to come in and express himself and show everybody what he can do, definitely looking forward to working with him.”

Mipo Odubeko continues his international hiatus while Derby County’s Festy Ebosele returns after injury. 

Sweden have named their squad with Mancheste United player Anthony Elanga their big talent. Ireland are four points behind Sweden with a game in hand after falling to defeat against Montenegro in their last game. 

Italy hope to add to their record of qualifying 13 times since a final tournament was introduced in 1994; they have lifted a joint-record five titles with Spain. A last-minute Tim Prica equaliser earned Sweden a 1-1 draw in Italy, whose perfect start was ended. 

Sweden are a point ahead but Italy have a game in hand, with both unbeaten. Montenegro edged the Republic of Ireland 2-1 to join their opponents on seven points, three behind Italy. Montenegro have played two games more, however.

The finals are due to be held in Romania and Georgia in 2023.

Ireland Under-21 Squad 

Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (Bray Wanderers), David Odumosu (Drogheda United), Luke McNicholas (Cliftonville, on loan from Sligo Rovers) 

Defenders:  Joel Bagan (Cardiff City), Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Andy Lyons (Bohemians) Oisin McEntee (Greenock Morton, on loan from Newcastle United), Mark McGuinness (Cardiff City), Jake O’Brien (Crystal Palace), Lee O’Connor (Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Celtic) 

Midfielders: Conor Coventry (Peterborough United, on loan from West Ham United) Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Ryan Johansson (Fortuna Sittard, on loan from Seville), Gavin Kilkenny (Bournemouth), Ollie O’Neill (Fulham), Conor Noss (Borussia Möchengladbach), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Ross Tierney (Bohemians) 

Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Will Ferry (Crawley Town, on loan from Southampton), Joshua ‘JJ’ Kayode (Rotherham United), Liam Kerrigan (UCD), Armstrong Oko-Flex (West Ham United), Colm Whelan (UCD), Tyreik Wright (Salford City, on loan from Aston Villa) 

UEFA Under-21 European Championship Qualifiers – Group F

2022 UEFA Under-21 European Championship Qualifier
Ireland v Italy
Friday, November 12
Tallaght Stadium
KO 5:30pm
LIVE on RTÉ2

2022 UEFA Under-21 European Championship Qualifier
Ireland v Sweden
Tuesday, November 16
Tallaght Stadium
KO 7pm
LIVE on RTÉ2

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