Small in stature but seismic in soul, Tierney looks to drive U21s on

With history now in their grasp, Jim Crawford's side focus on the final push with Motherwell midfielder at heart of it 

Thinking time: Republic of Ireland U21 player Ross Tierney during an FAI Fingal County Council TY Graduation at Corduff Sports Centre in Corduff, Dublin. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

When it comes to sources of motivation, Ross Tierney and his Ireland U21 team don’t have far to look.

Jim Crawford’s Boys in Green have history within their grasp. Wins against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro at Tallaght over the June bank holiday weekend will secure a first-ever Euro playoffs, unless Sweden manage to inflict a shock first defeat on top seeds Italy.