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

Norway visit Cork for a crucial qualifier. 

Manager Jim Crawford and Johnny Kenny during a Republic of Ireland Under 21 training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

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.