'Conor is our player - always has been' - Ireland U21 boss Crawford sends signal to Scots

Captain Hodge returns as former Scot Connor O'Riordan makes his second appearance for the boys in green.

Ireland can secure maximum points with a win against Latvia.

Ireland U21 manager Jim Crawford has named his 22-man squad to face Latvia in the Euro U21 Championship qualifier on Friday week in Riga (1pm, Irish time).

Highly-rated Crewe Alexandra 19-year-old defender Connor O'Riordan has been called up after withdrawing from the Scottish U21 squad only days ago.