Major blow for Ireland U21s as Joe Hodge and Mason Melia to miss crucial double-header

Norway visit Cork for a crucial qualifier.

Thu, 10 Oct, 2024 - 11:47

Brendan O'Brien

The Republic of Ireland U21s’ hopes of qualifying for a first ever major tournament have suffered a significant blow with news that their influential captain and midfielder Joe Hodge has been ruled out of this week’s double-header with injury.

Jim Crawford’s side face Norway in Turner’s Cross on Friday night. Win that and they secure a playoff spot for Euro 2025. Grab three more points against Italy in Tieste early next week and they would make those finals automatically.

Hodge, a huge player for the 21s in recent years, won’t be available for either. Neither will teenager Mason Melia with the highly-rated St Patrick’s Athletic player also unavailable. Like Hodge, he carried his injury into camp this week.

“It’s disappointing for the both of them for two different reasons,” said Crawford. “One, you have a captain who is a real positive influence around the group. He’s a very talented footballer with enormous potential.

“He’s resilient so I have no doubt he’ll get rehabbed and get the injury looked after. We wish him well. I have no doubt he’ll get back to where he was at because of his determination, drive and his ability. He, the players and staff were disappointed because he is a good guy.

“For Mason, it was his first call-up. We were excited and have been excited about Mason for a long time, when he was with Tom Mohan’s U19s and his performances for St Pat’s.

“I’m sure Mason’s day will come again because he is a player with enormous potential. It’s disappointing for the two boys but we have a talented bunch here and I have no doubt we’ll get the performance that’s required.”

Secure a playoff this week and Ireland will be out again in the middle of next month. It doesn’t look as if Hodge will be back at that juncture either.

“You don’t know yet, it’s still early days. There is a real likelihood he won’t be involved for eight to 10 weeks, which is disappointing for him. You don’t know though, the boy’s recovery powers could be quick, it could be eight weeks.

“It’s a difficult situation for Joe because he saw the build-up to the game and wants to be part of it, but it is what it is. That’s the nature of the beast. I have no doubt that he will be back stronger and better than what he is now.”