Jim Crawford backs Ireland under-21 charges to manage occasion amid play-off pressure 

The Ireland under-21s take on Finland in Tampere on Friday evening in the first leg of their UEFA European Championship play-off.

Republic of Ireland under-21 boss Jim Crawford with striker Tommy Lonergan. Pic: Tom Maher/Inpho

Republic of Ireland under-21s boss Jim Crawford has backed his "fearless" group to deliver the necessary performance away in Finland on Friday evening. 

The Ireland under-21s take on the Finns in Tampere on Friday evening in the first leg of their UEFA European Championship play-off (kick-off, 4.15pm, Irish time), having secured their spot with a convincing 3-1 win over England at Turner's Cross Stadium last month.