FAI: Jim Crawford names 22-man squad for Latvia qualifier

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After recording back-to-back home wins against Türkiye and San Marino in Cork last month, Ireland head to Latvia looking to continue their good run of form.
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The young Boys in Green are boosted by the return of captain Joe Hodge as well as FC Zürich’s Armstrong Oko-Flex and Crewe Alexandra’s Connor O’Riordan.
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Sinclair Armstrong, who made his senior international debut against the Netherlands last month before scoring his first Under-21s goal against San Marino, is included in the squad as is Andrew Moran who has impressed on loan with Blackburn Rovers in The Championship.
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Ireland’s game is set to take place on Friday, October 13 with kick-off at 1pm (Irish Standard Time).
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Speaking about his selection and the upcoming game, Crawford said: “We started the campaign with two great performances and we have an opportunity to following this up by going to Latvia and securing maximum points. Latvia have proved they are a difficult opponent and they drew 0-0 with Italy in the last window so we’re under no illusion how much of a challenge this will be.
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“It’s great to have Joe Hodge back with us, he’s our captain and is a big player for us. It’s also pleasing to see Armstrong Oko-Flex and Connor O’Riordan impressing with their clubs in recent weeks and earning a place back in the squad.
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Republic of Ireland Under-21s Squad
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Goalkeepers: Killian Cahill (Brighton & Hove Albion), Josh Keeley (Tottenham Hotspur) Owen Mason (Wexford, on loan from Mansfield Town)
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Defenders: James Abankwah (Charlton Athletic, on loan from Udinese), Sam Curtis (St. Patrick’s Athletic), *James Furlong (Hull City), Anselmo Garcia MacNulty (PEC Zwolle), Sean Grehan (Crystal Palace), Bosun Lawal (Fleetwood Town, on loan from Celtic), Connor O’Riordan (Crewe Alexandra)
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Midfielders: Baba Addeko (Wigan Athletic), Zak Gilsenan (Blackburn Rovers), Matt Healy (Royal Francs Borains), (Joe Hodge (Wolves), Ed McJannet (Lecce), Andrew Moran (Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), *Rocco Vata (Celtic)
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Forwards: Sinclair Armstrong (QPR), Aidomo Emakhu (Millwall), Johnny Kenny (Shamrock Rovers, on loan from Celtic), Armstrong Oko-Flex (FC Zürich), Tony Springett (Norwich City)
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UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier – Group A
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Friday, October 13 | Latvia U21 v Ireland U21, Zemgales Olympic Centre, Jelgava, kick-off 1pm (Irish Standard Time)



Ireland Category:
Under 21 Mens


Choose Site:
Ireland


Introduction:
Ireland Under-21s Head Coach Jim Crawford has named his squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier against Latvia in Riga next week.




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