Crawford's U21s guaranteed playoff place after Swedes draw with Italy

Automatic berth also a possibility should Ireland defeat Italians in Ascoli next Tuesday 

Almost there: Conor Coventry of Republic of Ireland with Republic of Ireland manager Jim Crawford after the UEFA European U21 Championship qualifying group F match between Republic of Ireland and Montenegro at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Ireland are guaranteed a playoff for the Euro U21 finals in September but could secure a first-ever qualification directly by beating Italy in Ascoli next Tuesday.

Six points from last weekend’s home double-header against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro consolidated Ireland’s grip on the runners-up spot. Second seeds Sweden could only usurp Ireland by beating leaders Italy today in Helsingborg and they were on track when Carl Gustavsoon fired them into a ninth minute lead.