'A hell of a challenge' ahead of Jim Crawford's U21s as they prepare for Turkey clash

After the September double-header away to Turkey and home to San Marino, they’ll have Norway and a concluding fixture against the Italians in Trieste over four days in October to complete their mission.

CHALLENGE AHEAD: Manager Jim Crawford during a Republic of Ireland U21 squad announcement at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

So well-stocked with firepower are the Ireland U21s that Jim Crawford could overlook Tom Cannon and Mason Melia for his squad chosen yesterday.

His team are positioned second, in the playoff spot, for the Euro Championships, two points behind leaders Italy with a game in hand.