Able deputies aplenty, but Moran's absence still a case of what might have been 

What might have been had Andrew Moran been available for selection but either way on this evidence, Crawford has a number of able replacements to fill the void.

NEXT OFF THE PRODUCTION LINE: Andrew Moran of the Republic of Ireland before the international friendly match between the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand at Aviva Stadium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

How the Republic of Ireland U21s could have done with a player like Andrew Moran.

Ok, well, that wasn’t really their issue against Norway on Friday when they were beaten 3-2 or against Italy on Tuesday when they led twice only to be pegged back twice.