McManus and Ayinde handed maiden Ireland under-21 call-ups

Republic of Ireland under-21 boss Jim Crawford. Pic: James Lawlor/Inpho

Republic of Ireland under-21s boss Jim Crawford has named a 22-man squad for their UEFA under-21 Euro qualifier against Slovakia at Turner's Cross.

Crawford's Ireland return to Leeside on Friday, October 10, having recorded two wins out of two in their opening qualifying games following victories over Moldova and Andorra.

They play host to a Slovakian team who currently sit top of Group D as first plays second at Turner's Cross.

Crawford has given first under-21 call-ups to Sligo Rovers midfielder James McManus and to former Cork City academy player Leon Ayinde of Ipswich Town. 

Meanwhile, McManus’ Bit O'Red teammate Conor Walsh returns to the squad, however, Ireland remain without two teen talents in Owen Elding (Sligo Rovers) and Jack Moorhouse (Manchester United).

Elding was born in England but has applied for Irish citizenship, a process that continues to drag on.

Manchester-born Moorhouse is eligible through his paternal grandparents from Dublin and Mayo but is awaiting his Irish passport.

Crawford said: “Turner’s Cross has been kind to us in terms of results. The energy from the crowd there will act as a 12th man.”

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Noah Jauny (Stade Brestois), Aaron Maguire (Tottenham Hotspur), Conor Walsh (Sligo Rovers).

Defenders: James Abankwah (Watford), Jacob Devaney (Manchester United), Sean Grehan (Doncaster Rovers), Alex Murphy (Newcastle United), David Okagbue (Peterborough United), Jacob Slater (Harrogate United, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion).

Midfielders: Romeo Akachukwu (Southampton), Darius Lipsiuc (Solihull Moors, on loan from Stoke City), Cathal McCarthy (Hull City), James McManus (Sligo Rovers, on loan from Bohemians), Jamie Mullins (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Murphy (Swindon Town, on loan from Bristol City).

Forwards: Leon Ayinde (Ipswich Town), Jad Hakiki (Sligo Rovers), Trent Kone-Doherty (Liverpool), Mason Melia (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Michael Noonan (Shamrock Rovers), Mark O’Mahony (Reading, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), Rocco Vata (Watford).

UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier:

Friday, October 10 | Ireland U21 vs Slovakia U21, Turner’s Cross, Cork, Kick-Off 7.30pm