Ireland U21s energised by senior team's heroics in Portugal

Jim Crawford's players begin their own qualifying campaign tomorrow knowing that Stephen Kenny has already demonstrated a willingness to blood young talent at the senior grade

Republic of Ireland U21 manager Jim Crawford, and Republic of Ireland senior boss Stephen Kenny 

Jim Crawford is adamant that the future is bright for the Boys in Green regardless of the senior team’s soul-destroying loss to Portugal in their World Cup qualifier in Faro.

Two late Cristiano Ronaldo goals deprived Stephen Kenny and his players of what would have been a famous win, or draw, but the Republic of Ireland U21 boss still believes that the performance underlines the talent bubbling through.