Joe Hodge quickly making up for lost years

Hodge has only just turned 20 and his debut for the U21s against Israel was a reminder of the wunderkind who so impressed at Euro U17 and U19 finals

Republic of Ireland manager Jim Crawford and Joe Hodge of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA European U21 Championship play-off first leg match between Republic of Ireland and Israel at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Jim Crawford didn’t get the result he wanted in Tallaght on Friday night but he had plenty to make him smile even as thoughts turned to tomorrow’s European Championship U21 playoff second leg against Israel in Tel Aviva.

His side had dominated the initial meeting for long spells only for a failure to capitalise on their chances and the concession of a sloppy goal to leave them with a 1-1 draw rather than the lead their efforts had so merited.