Seven new players included

Crawford has called-up are seven new faces to the U21 squad. Among them are Sevilla’s Ryan Johansson after he was declared eligible to play for Ireland following FIFA clearance.

Johansson is joined by Getafe’s John Joe Patrick Finn Benoa who is selected in his first international squad. Sheffield Wendesday’s Ciaran Brennan, Derby County’s Festy Ebosele and Lincoln City’s Seán Roughan get the U21 call. UCD striker and League of Ireland First Division top scorer Colm Whelan is also included in the squad.

Dan Rose of Schalke 04, who was included ahead of the Wales friendly in March but was unable to travel due to Covid-19 restrictions, will join his first U21 camp.

Games on TV

The games will form part of the U21s preparation for their 2023 European Championship qualifiers against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Luxembourg in September.

The games Switzerland and Australia to be shown live on Premier Sports 1 and FreeSports.

Ireland’s game with Denmark on Saturday, June 5 (which kicks-off at 17:00pm) will be shown in full at a later time of 21:30pm on Premier Sports 1.

Republic of Ireland squad – Switzerland, Australia, Denmark

Goalkeepers: Sam Blair (Norwich City), Brian Maher (Bray Wanderers),
Dan Rose (Schalke 04)

Defenders: Ciaran Brennan (Sheffield Wednesday), Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Shane Flynn (Leicester City), Andy Lyons (Bohemians), Oisín McEntee (Newcastle United), Mark McGuinness (Arsenal), Lewis Richards (Wolves), Seán Roughan (Lincoln City).

Midfielders: John Joe Patrick Finn Benoa (Getafe), Luca Connell (Celtic), Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Alex Gilbert (Brentford), Conor Grant (Rochdale), Ryan Johansson (Sevilla), Conor Noss (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Louie Watson (Derby County).

Forwards: Jonathan Afolabi (Celtic), Will Ferry (Southampton), Joshua ‘JJ’ Kayode (Rotherham United), Gavin Kilkenny (Bournemouth), Colm Whelan (UCD), Tyreik Wright (Aston Villa).

Fixtures – International Friendlies (all times are Irish times)

• Switzerland v Republic of Ireland, May 30, KO 11:00, Dama de Noche Football Centre, Marbella, Spain (Live on Premier Sports 1/ FreeSports)
• Australia v Republic of Ireland, June 2, KO 12:00, Marbella Football Centre, Marbella, Spain. (Live on Premier Sports 1/ FreeSports)
• Republic of Ireland v Denmark, June 5, KO 17:00, Dama de Noche Football Centre, Marbella, Spain. (To be shown at 21.30pm on Premier Sports 1)

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Ireland u21s took the field for the first time since November as they faced Wales in a friendly match this afternoon. The fixture marked the first time the two nations met at that age level.

Although there were no competitive consequences to come from the match, places were still up for grabs and players would have been keen to impress, particularly with the European Championship qualifiers coming up in September.

FIRST HALF

The opening minutes of the match were scrappy as both teams struggled to gain a foothold of proceedings, much due to the weather conditions.

Wales were, however, becoming increasingly dominant and that paid off in the 11^th minute. Welsh midfielder Joe Adams – who plays for Brentford – opened the scoring with a precise finish into the bottom corner after some great work down the right flank by his compatriot.

The Welsh began to dominate after the goal, controlling much of the possession and creating a handful of chances. They could have easily scored another in the minutes following the goal with the pressure they applied.

They didn’t convert again, though, and the first half finished 1-0 to Wales.

Ireland failed to register a single shot on target in the half and a much better 45 minutes to follow was necessary for Jim Crawford’s side.

SECOND HALF

Ireland started the second half much better than they had played in the first. They controlled much of the possession and were looking increasingly dangerous in the final third.

Their first real opportunity of the contest came in the 57^th minute. Derby County midfielder Louie Watson did well to play in captain Lee O’Connor who galloped into the box and shot from a somewhat tight angle. Unfortunately, though, it was straight at the Welsh ‘keeper and he gathered with ease.

Although Ireland were dominating play in the second half, Wales had the best chance of the half. Birmingham City midfielder Ryan Stirk found himself in the box and was fortunate enough to find the ball right at his feet after a bounce off an Irish defender, however, his effort was wayward despite having the time and space to score.

Wales would come to regret their missed chance(s) as Ireland managed to grab an equalizer in the 76^th minute. Borussia Mönchengladbach 20-year-old Conor Noß did brilliantly down the byline as he took on and beat his man before skimming the ball across the box which was met by Celtic striker Jonathan Afolabi who could hardly miss.

In a bizarre turn of events, Ireland went ahead just a minute later through a Welsh own goal courtesy of Morgan Boyes. His misplaced backpass to the ‘keeper sailed into the net to make it 2-1 to Ireland.

Jonathan Afolabi had a golden opportunity to get his second of the afternoon just a couple of minutes later. Substitute Conor Grant played a brilliant cross into his feet but he shot wide of the goal. Ireland were really beginning to assert their dominance on the game now.

Ireland certainly made up for a poor first half with a dominant second half performance. The full-time whistle sounded with the scoreline at 2-1 to Ireland.

Full time in Wales!

Wales 1-2 Ireland

A great win for #IRLU21 who turned the game on its head thanks to a Jonathan Afolabi goal and OG from Morgan Boyes #WEAREONE | #COYBIG | #WALIRL pic.twitter.com/Vopad1dJKX

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) MARCH 26, 2021

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Talented teenagers Mipo Odubeko and John Joe Patrick Finn have committed to Ireland after initial doubts over their international future.

Neither expressed an aspiration to play for another country, however there was stiff competition to secure their signatures. Finn in particular was a wanted man having been in contact with the Spanish, English and Irish FA’s in the last few months.

Securing the signatures of the pair can be seen as a major positive to Ireland as both have the ability to go far in the game.

Odubeko was included in the Ireland u21 squad that was announced yesterday for the upcoming friendly against Wales. Finn picked up an injury which is why he missed out on the squad, but his desire to represent the country has been confirmed.

“He certainly wants to play for the Republic of Ireland,” u21 boss Jim Crawford confirmed while speaking at a press conference today.

“Unfortunately he picked up an injury a couple of days ago and he’s out for, I think, 10 or 12 days. So, a little bit of a disappointment for us and particularly John Joe.

“We had a lot of conversations over the last number of weeks and they’ve been all positive, so.

“I’ve no doubt that perhaps the next window, and if everything is fine with regards injuries and what have you will, that we’ll have John Joe Finn on board.”

Both players have appeared for their club’s first team this season, West Ham (Odubeko) and Getafe (Finn) respectively.

Finn plays as a midfielder and has featured a number of times for Getafe, primarily off the bench, but he has started a couple of cup games as well.

He became the youngest debutant in the history of the club as he made his La Liga debut against Getafe in December aged just 17 years and 42 days.

𝟭𝟳 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, 𝟳𝟮 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀.

John Joe Patrick Finn ‐ of Irish and Cameroonian descent ‐ became @GetafeCF‘s youngest player EVER in #LaLigaSantander earlier this month!#LaLigaHistory pic.twitter.com/u7l4BnBVSn

— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) DECEMBER 15, 2020

Odubeko is a striker and has featured less often for West Ham’s senior team, however his record at youth level is far more publicised.

The 18-year-old left Ireland in 2015 to join Manchester City’s youth side. He didn’t last long in the blue, though, as he switched sides to join Manchester United in 2016.

While at Manchester United, he became one of the hottest prospects at the club owing to his incredible scoring record.

However, he decided to reject a Manchester United contract offer in 2019 as he looked to take his services elsewhere. There was plenty of interest in Odubeko across Europe but he decided to stay in England and sign for West Ham United.

Since moving, Odubeko managed an incredible 18 goal contributions in just 11 games at underage level.

His form for the u23s and u18s seen him get a chance with the first team on two occasions.

His debut came in January against Stockport County in the FA Cup, however he had very little time to make an impression.

He was given another chance in the same competition almost a month later, however this time they faced much fiercer competition in Manchester United. He came on in the 54th minute and showed a couple of nice touches but failed to influence proceedings as he became increasingly isolated up front.

David Moyes controversially subbed him off in extra time after bringing him earlier in the match.

Odubeko has featured on the bench several times since but is yet to receive further first team minutes.

Ireland u21 face Wales u21 next Friday with Odubeko likely to be involved at some point if not from the beginning. The match will be streamed on the Welsh FA’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Squad announcement | Jim Crawford names 14 uncapped players as part of a 22-man squad for #IRLU21 friendly with next week

Full reaction and details https://t.co/GW59C254Lf#WALIRL | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/VrI9TUy3hA

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) MARCH 18, 2021

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Italy’s late victory over third place Iceland may prove pivotal in Ireland’s EURO 2021 qualification push. The Ireland team continue to occupy second place, one point above Sweden and Iceland. Following a disappointing defeat at the hands of group leaders Italy last month, there was feeling that Jim Crawford’s men may have missed their best chance at qualifying.

However today’s match in Iceland has further heightened the importance of Ireland’s next two fixtures. A win against Iceland at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, followed by a win in Luxembourg on Wednesday evening, should be enough to qualify for next year’s tournament.

Chance to make history by qualifying for EURO 2021

Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has been impressing whilst out on loan at Rochdale this season, and was close to getting his first senior call-up according to boss Stephen Kenny. He returns to the home of his boyhood club Shamrock Rovers on Sunday and will be hoping the Ireland team can emulate the success of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division champions.

𝘽𝙞𝙜 save from Gavin Bazunu late on yesterday #RAFC pic.twitter.com/tXKuW0o1cB

— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) October 25, 2020

Ireland U-21s have never qualified for a competition of this nature and Bazunu notes this as a “huge incentive” going into the final two games. But the focus remains on the Iceland game first.

Team News

Jim Crawford must continue without Adam Idah, Jayson Molumby and Dara O’Shea who have all made the step up to the senior side. Striker Jonathan Afolabi has also dropped out through injury. He is replaced by Accrington Stanley forward Ryan Cassidy.

On the flip side, Troy Parrott makes his return to the U-21 camp after recently overcoming an injury that has kept him on the sidelines for much of this season. Despite the good news, Millwall boss Gary Rowett is wary of Parrott’s fitness levels heading into the international fixtures.

Meanwhile, Bohemian’s winger Danny Grant ended his impressive breakthrough season with another goal.

No European football for @stpatsfc next season as they lost out @bfcdublin at Richmond Park #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/y9PFwp8slx

— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) November 10, 2020

Italy are odds on for automatic qualification. Five of the best-performing runners up from each group will also qualify for the competition. Ireland currently stand as the fifth best team in second place of their respective group, with a game in hand and a point behind Poland who have completed all of their games.

With the unlikely scenario of several teams below Ireland in the “runners-up group” winning their remaining fixtures, two wins should be enough to clinch qualification. Ireland’s faith is in their own hands.

Nevertheless, as many a footballer and manager would say – Gavin Bazunu included – the focus is on the next game. Ireland U-21 vs Iceland U-21 kicks off at 12.30pm on Sunday afternoon in Tallaght Stadium.

The full Ireland U-21 squad is listed below.

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 United), Luca Connell (Celtic), Will Ferry (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Danny Mandroiu (Bohemians), Connor Ronan (Grasshopper Zurich, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), Anthony Scully (Lincoln City), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United)

Forwards: Ryan Cassidy (Accrington Stanley, on loan from Watford), 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)

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Preparations haven’t been straight forward for Crawford. A calamitous week for the senior squad resulted in five players missing the draw against Wales on Sunday afternoon due to COVID-19 protocols. Consequently, Jason Knight and Dara O’Shea have left the U-21 training camp and joined Stephen Kenny’s squad.

Crawford admits that his team’s “preparations have been scuppered”. Not only due to squad alterations, but also because he is in the dark of with regards to the team Italy will field. The Italians’ game against Iceland was postponed on Friday after two players tested positive for COVID-19.

Republic of Ireland U21 boss Jim Crawford is finetuning his side for battle in Italy tomorrow – but preparations have been challenging #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/dkfldVpnJH

— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) October 12, 2020

Nevertheless, there is still a selection of high quality players to choose from. Bohemians winger Danny Grant has been called up on the back of recent form. He replaces Shamrock Rovers’ Neil Farrugia who missed out through injury. Conor McCarthy of St. Mirren also steps in to replace Dara O’Shea. Premier League players Will Smallbone, Conor Coventry (see graphic below) and Michael Obafemi are all expected to feature.

MAKING AN IMPACT

Check out these monster stats from @conorcoventry so far in this #IRLU21 campaign

1⃣ day to #ITAIRL pic.twitter.com/C1Xt8QEh9z

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) October 12, 2020

Jim Crawford is not underestimating the significance of the fixture: “We know just how important this game is in terms of the Group but also in terms of our chances of qualifying for the finals tournament”. The winner of the group will qualify for the U-21 European Championship in 2021.

Republic of Ireland U-21 vs Italy U-21 kicks off at 4pm Irish time.

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