Ireland U21s will 'give everything for the green jersey' in Cork says Jim Crawford

Andrew Moran, who has been dubbed the 'Irish Phil Foden' is looking forward to captaining the side against Turkey at Turner's Cross

EVERYTHING FOR GREEN JERSEY: Jim Crawford has outlined what they can expect to see from his troops in a match that is arguably a must win given that Italy and Norway also feature in a tough looking group. Pic: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Fri, 08 Sep, 2023 - 07:59

Andrew Horgan

The Republic of Ireland U21s fixture at Turner’s Cross back in March was their first appearance in Cork in 14 years but given the success of that occasion in which 6,048 fans cramming into the famous old venue, the Irish U21s have now returned to Leeside less than six months later.

But this time it’s different. This time it is much more significant because this time it is not a friendly.

Instead, Ireland open their Euro 2025 qualification campaign against a talented Turkey side that includes the likes of playmaker Kenan Yildiz, who recently signed a new long-term deal with Juventus.

With Ireland’s senior squad taking on France in Paris last night, and Ireland’s Rugby team beginning their World Cup adventure against Romania tomorrow in Bordeaux, this match may have crept under the radar as only 3,200 supporters have claimed their tickets in advance thus far.

It is likely that most are waiting to see if the heatwave continues before purchasing their tickets in the immediate lead-up to kick-off.

But for those unsure about attending, Irish U21s boss Jim Crawford has outlined what they can expect to see from his troops in a match that is arguably a must win given that Italy and Norway also feature in a tough looking group.

“We have got some really talented players that will give everything, they will give everything for the green jersey,” insisted Crawford.

“There’s no doubt about it, you will have an industrious group in terms of working hard without and without the ball.

“There is a real good buzz around the camp. They love coming to Cork after our experience there in March, it was brilliant.

“The whole build up to it, the way we were treated in the hotel here in Fota… the matchday was a Sunday and it felt like an event.

“It left an imprint on each and everyone one of the players who were part of that, and they are looking forward now to playing under the lights at Turner’s Cross.” Another reason to attend tonight’s fixture is for the chance to see the ‘Irish Phil Foden’, as he has been dubbed by his former Brighton and Hove Albion underage coach Mark Beard.

Andrew Moran, who is currently on loan at Blackburn Rovers, will wear the captain’s armband against the Turks and will be hoping to lead Ireland to an important victory in their Group A opener.

“That’s other people’s words but yeah it’s obviously nice to hear,” laughs Moran, who has featured in the Premier League with Brighton.

“It was a really proud moment to be named captain, it’s huge. We have watched them (Turkey), and they look like a good side.

“We know they will be a good side so we are just looking to do everything that we can do to put our stamp on the game.

“We won’t worry about them too much, but we know the quality they have, the players they’ve got, it will be a tough game.

“Even for the first friendly of the new campaign, to see the stands full of Irish fans was massive so hopefully we can get the same sort of thing for this game anyway.”