Jim Crawford’s Ireland Under-21’s will look to build on yesterday’s senior success in Helsinki tonight as they host fellow Scandinavians Norway in a do-or-die game at Turner’s Cross (KO 7pm, RTÉ 2).
With Ireland sitting two points ahead of Norway in the group with as many games to go, a win in Cork will secure second place and an elusive playoff for the European Championships next year in Slovakia.
Their task tonight will be made all the more difficult with captain Joe Hodge ruled out through injury, along with Mason Melia who had been called up to the squad for the first time.
Sinclair Armstrong, Ireland’s second top scorer in the campaign behind Rocco Vata, will also miss tonight’s game through suspension.
Mark O’Mahony would have started regardless of Melia’s absence given Armstrong’s unavailability, but Crawford has options in the form of Killian Phillips and Baba Adeeko, with the latter the most likely to start.
All these various factors certainly don’t help Crawford’s side, but the task is still very much doable. Although Norway did win the reverse fixture 3-2, Ireland are yet to lose at home so far in the campaign, and hold an home unbeaten streak in competitive matches at U21 level that stretches to eight games, with their last loss coming back in 2021 against the Azzurri.
Competitors at the last major finals, Norway do hold significant pedigree. Norway international and current Benfica player Andreas Schjelderup is included in their squad, a tricky technician who has the talent to cause the Irish defence some problems.
Former Leeds and Celtic defender Leo Hjelde is the Norwegians main man at the back while Sivert Mannsverk of Ajax will hold down a talented midfield which also features former Manchester United academy player Isak Hansen-Aarøen, who is now at Bundesliga side Werder Bremen.
The Scandinavians have a very apt squad no doubt, but one which Ireland can overcome.
Turkey and Italy have both came to Turners Cross and walked away winless(the latter of which should have been walking away with nothing).
If Ireland can replicate one of those performances and right the wrongs of last month’s disappointment, they will take one step further towards a maiden tournament qualification at this level.
Ireland Radar 