Joe Hodge named new Republic of Ireland U21 captain

Shels' Kian Leavy and St Pats' Jay McGrath have been called into the squad for the friendly against Iceland on Sunday while Cork City's Matt Healy drops out.

AYE AYE CAPTAIN: 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

Joe Hodge has been named the new Republic of Ireland U21 captain by Head Coach Jim Crawford.

Hodge, who made his debut for the Under-21s against Israel last September, will lead the young Boys in Green out for their International Friendly against Iceland this Sunday at Turner’s Cross.