2023 UEFA Under-21 Championship

[sbgawa]

I would really recommend anyone to go along to watch any of the LOI underage squads at U14 or U15 levels as you would be shocked at the technical skills of these kids, we will eventually see the benefit of years of proper coaching coming through, there is hope.
Pats, Shels, Rovers or St Kevins/Bohs, Bray/St Josephs are all well worth a look in Dublin.

[tetsujin1979]

first goal
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[tetsujin1979]

Not much Maher could do about the equaliser
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[tetsujin1979]

Tierney scores with his first touch at U21 level!
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[Olé Olé]

Tyreik Wright there again. Didn't watch this game but saw the match against Switzerland and this contribution here. Really like the look of him. He's developing nicely having been in the shadows of Connolly, Idah and Parrott.

[Eirambler]

Very decent effort considering that was an Australian Under 23 team, although they looked a limited enough bunch. Crazy how they are allowed to just stroll into the Olympic tournament every four years whereas playing in Europe we haven't a chance of qualifying for that really.

The standouts for me were McGuinness at the back all game and the substitutes mainly - Wright, Kayode and Johansson all improved the team when they came on. Watson worked hard and Maher was good in goal - didn't have many saves to make but commanded his area well. Noss had a few nice moments also. Connell is good with the ball at his feet but is a bit one paced.

From the players we've seen so far I would have a starting team for the qualifiers something like the following:


Maher
Ebosele
McEntee
McGuinness
Ferry
Coventry
Kilkenny
Grant
Johansson
Wright
Kayode

The likes of Watson and Noss would be in the mix in midfield also though, it's very competitive there. Smallbone and Finn Benoa will give other attacking midfield options also and Hodge might put pressure on Coventry for the holding midfield position. Knight would stroll onto this team obviously but I expect he's full time with the seniors now.

O'Connor and Omobamidele might yet drop back down from the seniors to strengthen the defence, maybe even Collins for a game or two, and I'd like to see Flynn get a start against Denmark at the weekend as Ferry leaves a lot of space behind him at left back, he's more of a winger really.

If we could get the likes of Obafemi and Parrott back in up front it would really make a difference to the attack as Afolabi looks miles off it and Kayode can't be expected to do it all on his own. Obviously no chance of Connolly or Idah playing at this level again.

It looks like we are where we are in terms of keepers, they haven't given the two younger lads a minute in the two games so they must be set on Maher as the starter for now at least. He's quick off his line and seems fairly commanding but his passing is a bit suspect and he was easily beaten for one of the Swiss goals the last day. Not much chance of Bazunu dropping down from the seniors however.

[DeLorean]

Full game here-


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jQHJkIhaM4

[Kingdom]

I would really recommend anyone to go along to watch any of the LOI underage squads at U14 or U15 levels as you would be shocked at the technical skills of these kids, we will eventually see the benefit of years of proper coaching coming through, there is hope.
Pats, Shels, Rovers or St Kevins/Bohs, Bray/St Josephs are all well worth a look in Dublin.

I agree, and I don't think we say it enough, and isn't noticed enough.

I've said before that I've experienced elite level football at different stages in 3 different countries - Ireland, England and Belgium. Our kids - at respective ages, are ahead of Belgian kids from what I can see here. the one difference, and I guess it's changing gradually in Ireland through integration, is the different styles and sizes that the different ethnicities bring to clubs in Belgium, that we wouldn't have had 20 years ago in Ireland. But thankfully that is changing.

It would almost make you wonder what happens when the Irish kids leave the set-ups that makes English and Celtic clubs to want to prise them away.

[tetsujin1979]

Friendly against Denmark will be on YouTube at 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2pxUIPGEV4

[CSAD]

Anytime our CBs get the ball Denmark close us down and give us no time whatsoever but when the Danish CBs get it we give them all the time in the world and no Irish player tries closing down the Denmark players. How are we supposed to create chances?

[Eirambler]

Unless we're hoping they burn themselves out like Andorra did the last night to allow us to go at them in the last half an hour there's very little positive you could say about the way Crawford has set the team up here. We're going to have to press them at some stage, we're just allowing them to stroll out from defence every time.

[CSAD]

There was a point in that half when the danish cbs made their way to the half way line without being touched...

[CSAD]

Just for comparison when we had a free for the tackle on Ebosele, FOUR danish players around our penalty box trying to close down our players...

[elatedscum]

was a pretty terrible performance. a squad of players, most of whom are about a year shy of being ready for the level... would be good to have some of bazunu, o'connor, collins, omobamadele, knight, smallbone, obafemi, idah, connolly, parrott - back with the squad. can't see many coming back but don't think they had a single shot on target in the game

[tetsujin1979]

They looked pretty drained, which might very well have been the case after the training camp.
Even though Denmark were playing their U20 side, they still seemed bigger than our U21s!
That's two losses, and a win from the three games.
I would have liked to see Blair get a chance in goals, and maybe for one or two players to see more game time, but overall I think it was a worthwhile exercise.

[Charlie Darwin]

Crawford talked after the match about how the players were drained but he didn't even give starts to half the team? It seems a bit weird that Ross Tierney scores the winner against Australia, and missed the first game, but he's on the bench again, while some players started all three games. You can't refuse to rotate the team and then complain that they're putting in a tired performance.

[DeLorean]

Full game here (well, almost...)-


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n9Of3_aB7w

[liamoo11]

With bagan confirmed in the 21 squad be interesting to see who else makes it. Leavy from reading and oko flex seem like 2 who might get a chance. Ferguson wouldn't be a shock either I suppose given how limited we are up top

[Olé Olé]

Where was Bagan confirmed?

Edit: I see it here now. Mick confirming. Great stuff. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mick-mccarthy-reveals-delight-cardiff-21408524.amp

[elatedscum]

With bagan confirmed in the 21 squad be interesting to see who else makes it. Leavy from reading and oko flex seem like 2 who might get a chance. Ferguson wouldn't be a shock either I suppose given how limited we are up top

Crawford talked about players (plural) who are eligible for U19s getting their first call up in his pre-squad vid. I guess that would be 2003 and later. I assumed it was gonna be Ferguson and possibly Moran

[elatedscum]

I think there’ll probably be some decent young players left out. Generally, Kenny had 22 man squads, so I’ll assume it’s the same with 2 players per position.

GK: Maher and Rose seem 1st and 2nd choice as long as Bazunu is with the seniors.

RB: O’Connor and Lyons seem like obvious choices

CB: With Collins and Omobamadele with the seniors, McGuinness is the first choice, followed by McEntee and Garcia-McNulty. No idea who the fourth choice would be. Could be Bosun Lawal who is primarily a midfielder but is comfortable at centre half, could be Sean Roughan or Lewis Richards who are both probably better at left back but can play centre half as well.

LB: Obviously Bagan is in the squad. Shane Flynn is probably the best bet along with him - but he could drop out altogether. Was thinking about how much Kam Ledwidge’s stock has fallen. He was good at 17s and 19s and started a game or two for Kenny in the last campaign for the 21s. Now he’s playing first division in ireland (not sure how much he’s playing) and even though we’ve called up five or six left backs in this campaign, he hasn’t been one of them. (I suppose the same is almost all technically true for Brandon Kavanagh but it feels as though his pathway has been a bit more steady).

CM: midfield is where it starts to get tricky. There are a few no brainers. Obviously Knight is out, along with Smallbone. You’ve got Coventry who is the captain, then you’ve got Kilkenny who is bordering on the senior side, and Johansson who was name checked. You’ve also got Luca Connell who was very good for the 21s in this campaign. So thats basically 4 primarily deep lying midfielders. You’ve also got Joe Hodge - presume he’s still injured. Further up the pitch you’ve got the likes of Conor Noss and Louis Watson who on the whole have good for the 21s. You’ve also got Finn, who hopefully will finally be involved (though you wouldn’t bet on it). Finally, you’ve got lads like Devoy who has been great for Bohs and Tierney who did well for the 21s in June and Conor Grant who hasn’t done anything wrong. They’re all unlikely to make the squad but unlucky to be left out at the same time.

WG: out wide, you’ve got Ebosele and Ferry who can moonlight as fullbacks on the right and left side respectively, you’ve got Wright as well who’s been more good than bad as finally Okoflex seems like an obvious selection.

FWD: With Idah, Parrott and Connolly with the seniors, Kayode and Afolabi have been the main number 9s without either one convincing entirely but at least they’ve gotten off the mark. Obafemi missed out with the seniors, so he really should be part of the squad but he’s had plenty of injury issues and might also be trying to sort a loan move over the next few days. Beyond that, Ferguson and Moran are both doing well for Brighton. Not really sure if Moran is gonna end up an attacking midfielder or a striker, probably a bit like Parrott was at age 17.

When it comes to the shakeup, I guess I expect it’ll most likely end up this way:

1. Maher
2. Rose
3. O’Connor
4. Lyons
5. McGuinness
6. McEntee
7. Garcia-McNulty
8. Bagan
9. Kilkenny
10. Coventry
11. Johansson
12. Connell
13. Noss
14. Watson
15. Ebosele
16. Wright
17. Ferry
18. Okoflex
19. Afolabi
20. Kayode
21. Moran
22. Ferguson

There’s probably other injuries etc I don’t know about. Perhaps one of the forwards makes way for a 4th centre half. Perhaps Finn or Obafemi make it across the sea. Perhaps there’s a young LOI player who makes the cut... I’ll assume I get 16/22 right

[Eirambler]

That's a good write up. I think he'll maybe pick 24 or 25 though to fit a few more in. Would think Devoy should get in based on his club form but there will have to be players left out from the summer camp with others coming back in.

[Olé Olé]

Tasty squad too. I was going to say it is strange to see the quality of defenders pale compared to midfield and attack (in terms of talent, probably not relative to age!) but I never accounted for the progression of Omobamidele or Collins!

On that point, the senior squad definitely demonstrates that there is space for some of this under 21 squad if they can produce sustained periods of form. I know there were comments on Kilkenny not being included in the senior squad but I don't see that being too glaring an omission. How about Crawford sticks him into the deeper midfield role for these games and he can perform his own assessment and feed that back to Kenny?

[Eirambler]

Will be interesting to see which one he doesn't pick out of Coventry, Kilkenny and Johansson, or will he find a way to get them all in the team?

[tetsujin1979]

Squad confirmed this morning
No real glaring omissions, maybe Bowden or Connell?
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[elatedscum]

No real glaring omissions, maybe Bowden or Connell?

Okoflex and Connell I reckon

[Olé Olé]

Okoflex and Connell I reckon

Okoflex the big disappointment and adds fuel to the fire for those inclined to doubt.

[Eirambler]

Michael Obafemi is a fairly glaring omission I would have said. When did he last feature in an Ireland team at any age grade though? The Finn-Benoa half in/half out selection is odd also.

[elatedscum]

Michael Obafemi is a fairly glaring omission I would have said. When did he last feature in an Ireland team at any age grade though? The Finn-Benoa half in/half out selection is odd also.

Think Obafemi played the last two squads for Crawford in the previous campaign, the losses to Italy and Iceland and win against Luxembourg back in October and November 2020.

The four possibilities are: he’s going to sign on loan or permanently between now and the 31st (Blackburn agreed 6m a few weeks ago) and leaving the UK during Covid could delay getting to a medical etc, he’s asked not to be included due to his ongoing hamstring issues, he asked not to be included because he doesn’t want to play 21s or Crawford doesn’t rate him.

Finn is weird alright, maybe he’s awaiting a passport or something or some kinda documents that would make him not yet eligible for a competitive game

[Eirambler]

Would be surprised if Finn's situation is linked to a passport issue. Irish born dad so should be a straightforward three week job. It reads to me like he's not ready to commit yet and fancies a look around to see what it's like first.

[IsMiseSean]

Will Noss & Watson be tied to us if they play?

[Olé Olé]

Would be surprised if Finn's situation is linked to a passport issue. Irish born dad so should be a straightforward three week job. It reads to me like he's not ready to commit yet and fancies a look around to see what it's like first.

Tricky one. Finn is only 17 and soon to be 18 and is back with Getafe's B side. You could offer Moran as a counter (in terms of age and club level- presently) to that and that would fair. But Moran has actually met everyone in the Irish underage set up. It's Finn's first involvement.

I wouldn't be too quick to be casting doubt on his commitment myself. I think it's unfair on the player in this case.

[Eirambler]

Will Noss & Watson be tied to us if they play?

No. Wouldn't even be tied with a senior cap at this stage.

[elatedscum]

It’s kinda weird during the three previous friendlies Lawal and McNulty were both listed as joining up to train as opposed to being called up and both went on to play.

I wonder if there any limit on the number of players you can call up for a 21s game (in terms of FIFA and the rules regarding international release)

[ColourfulPeanut]

It’s kinda weird during the three previous friendlies Lawal and McNulty were both listed as joining up to train as opposed to being called up and both went on to play.

I wonder if there any limit on the number of players you can call up for a 21s game (in terms of FIFA and the rules regarding international release)
I don't think they were called up to train. They were called up as late replacements.

[elatedscum]

I don't think they were called up to train. They were called up as late replacements.

there was a squad list published where it was more explicit as in both players were listed separately with an * but it's also mentioned here https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/lawal-and-garcia-macnulty%C2%A0called-into-u21-camp

[IsMiseSean]

No. Wouldn't even be tied with a senior cap at this stage.

I thought the likes of Kieran Dowell & Conor Gallagher (if eligible) wouldn't be able to switch to us now because they've played competitive U21 games for England.

I'm confused by the new eligibility rules anymore.

[Eirambler]

The rules change after players turn 21. Both of those players played for England after their 21st birthdays. Unless they held Irish citizenship at the time of their first English underage appearances they're no longer eligible for us.

Watson and Noss are different. Firstly they're both only 20 so it wouldn't tie them anyway. Additionally though, they would have held British and German citizenship respectively before playing for Ireland. So even an under age cap after their 21st birthdays wouldn't tie them. It would have to be senior recognition for those two.

You're right though, it's all a bit of a legal minefield these days.

[liamoo11]

The rules change after players turn 21. Both of those players played for England after their 21st birthdays. Unless they held Irish citizenship at the time of their first English underage appearances they're no longer eligible for us.

Watson and Noss are different. Firstly they're both only 20 so it wouldn't tie them anyway. Additionally though, they would have held British and German citizenship respectively before playing for Ireland. So even an under age cap after their 21st birthdays wouldn't tie them. It would have to be senior recognition for those two.

You're right though, it's all a bit of a legal minefield these days.


Thanks very helpful explanation

[Kingdom]

Tricky one. Finn is only 17 and soon to be 18 and is back with Getafe's B side. You could offer Moran as a counter (in terms of age and club level- presently) to that and that would fair. But Moran has actually met everyone in the Irish underage set up. It's Finn's first involvement.

I wouldn't be too quick to be casting doubt on his commitment myself. I think it's unfair on the player in this case.

I had a look around Getafe's website a few weeks ago, which was up to date, and they had him linked to their main youth team, not even the B team.

I could be very wrong about this, but isn't Finn's father deceased? If that was the case and the lad didn't have an Irish passport then it would probably complicate the process as you'd need additional information.

Having him over but not in the official squad points to him not having international clearance.

It's a really good squad - good shouts elatedscum - and little contentious issues. Luca Connell can't really have any complaints to be left out when he's effectively playing LSL level football, compared to Coventry, Johansson, Kilkenny and Devoy.
I wouldn't have Obafemi in this side nevermind the international side, and I think it's mad that anyone would consider using that omission as a stick to beat Crawford with.

I don't know anything about O'Neill.

[Eirambler]

I understand that Finn's dad has indeed sadly passed, but that shouldn't really affect his getting an Irish passport. He's an Irish citizen - it should just be a question of getting hold of the dad's birth cert (he's from Mayo so they would just need to contact the Births, Deaths and Marriages office in Castlebar) and sending it off with his own birth cert and the form and it would be done in three or four weeks. I'd be surprised if that is the reason he's not a full squad member.

[Exgrad]

I wouldn't have Obafemi in this side nevermind the international side, and I think it's mad that anyone would consider using that omission as a stick to beat Crawford with.


People were using Obafemis ommission as a stick to beat the Senior team manager with (actually two senior team managers), so its suprising how quiet it has been re the u21s.

or not suprising really as the type of people giving kenny grief about it probably don't know the 21s matches are on.

[Diggs246]

People were using Obafemis ommission as a stick to beat the Senior team manager with (actually two senior team managers), so its suprising how quiet it has been re the u21s.

or not suprising really as the type of people giving kenny grief about it probably don't know the 21s matches are on.

He isn't playiog at the moment that's why there is silence,
people wanted him involved when he was scoring against man utd and spurs, which I think was fair.
He is also the faster player we have ( ogbene may be faster, but im not sure)

[IsMiseSean]

Any chance of these games being televised?

[tetsujin1979]

I thought I read that eir sport or premier sport, or someone, was going to cover these qualifiers, but I've checked the TV guides for both channels, and neither of them mention the game

[jbyrne]

I thought I read that eir sport or premier sport, or someone, was going to cover these qualifiers, but I've checked the TV guides for both channels, and neither of them mention the game

isn't eir sport gone?
you would think Virgin Sport would latch onto this given the paltry offerings of live sport that they currently show

[tetsujin1979]

isn't eir sport gone?
you would think Virgin Sport would latch onto this given the paltry offerings of live sport that they currently show
Later this year, but eir sport 2 has already stopped broadcasting - https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2021/0519/1222711-eir-sport-to-cease-broadcasting-later-this-year/

[tetsujin1979]

not going to be on Premier Sports either
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[elatedscum]

not going to be on Premier Sports either
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Really disappointing. Maybe the FAI will stream it or something or the Bosnian or Luxembourg FA might. Last campaign, Eir had the home games and so it might not entirely dissimilar this campaign with a broadcaster taking home games and away games being ignored. It's a bit counter intuitive because you'd imagine the away games would be the greater pull since the 5,000 who attended a home game are added into the audience pool...

[elatedscum]

Ronan Boyce called up. Not sure who he's replacing. Certainly highly thought of at Derry.

Watched the highlights of Liverpool u23s v Brighton u23s from the weekend. Both Ferguson and Moran looked very very good. Jay Furlong was very much at fault for the Liverpool goal though. Ferguson took his goal excellently, he's very much in the Haaland mold. I'd probably start him for the 21s. Kayode is a handful but Ferguson looked like the real deal.

highlights behind a paywall here: https://video.liverpoolfc.com/player/0_ylptc7hj/?feedId=3d72b0ca-fd3d-444b-ad68-b7802804c404&page=0&pageSize=20&sortOrder=desc&title=Latest%20Videos&listType=LIST-DEFAULT