Crawford and FAI weigh up Cork as new U21s base: 'I don’t think the fans will let us down'

The upcoming friendly against Iceland at Turner’s Cross will be the first appearance by the U21s on Leeside for 14 years. Are there more to come? 

7 March 2023; Republic of Ireland U21 manager Jim Crawford poses for a portrait ahead of his side's international friendly match against Iceland on March 26 in Turners Cross, Cork. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Recent full houses at Musgrave Park for U20 rugby internationals have not gone unnoticed at the FAI as it considers switching Ireland’s base for the upcoming European Championship U21 qualifiers to Cork.

Manager Jim Crawford visited Cork this week ahead of the upcoming friendly against Iceland at Turner’s Cross on March 26, the first appearance by the U21s on Leeside for 14 years.