Oct 11,2024
U21 European Championship Qualifiers
Republic of Ireland U21s v Norway U21s, Turner's Cross, 7pm
TV/Player coverage
Online
Weather
It'll be a nice evening on Leeside. The morning frost and mist is expected to clear and it should be mainly dry with a mix of cloud and sunny spells, with highest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees.
Boys in Green on brink of the play-offs
It's the start of a crucial period for Jim Crawford's men.
They welcome Norway to Turner's Cross this evening knowing victory will guarantee the a play-off place and set up a group-deciding showdown in Italy on Tuesday.
Ireland have never reached an Under-21s Euros. Two years ago, their dreams of making the breakthrough were shattered when they lost to Israel on penalties in Tel Aviv in the second leg of their play-off.
That was a cruel setback, and a painful way for the likes of Jake O'Brien, Will Smallbone and Conor Coventry to end their days in the age grade.
Crawford dusted them down and led a fresh crop - albeit one with a few older heads - into another strong campaign.
Last time out Ireland were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw against Latvia at Tallaght Stadium, a result that leaves them second behind the Italians but with a game in hand.
They can still top the group, but there's no room for error now.
Crawford needs two wins from two to do it, starting against a Norway side that has to win to keep their own hopes alive.
Crawford wants 'no regrets' as Ireland return to Cork
Joe Hodge and Mason Melia are out with injuries, but otherwise Crawford has a healthy squad to choose from.
It's a first return to Cork since last November when Ireland drew with Italy, and a good crowd is expected.
"The players are looking forward to it," said the head coach.
"They understand the enormity of it. These games are what you want and what you want to be involved in as a player or staff member. Preparation has been good and hopefully tonight will be a performance to remember.
"The message has been the same since the first game with this group against Iceland: have no regrets."
Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Andrew Moran, currently shining on loan at Stoke City, will be key to making the hosts tick tonight.
He acknowledged they're facing a tough ask against a talented Norwegian outfit, but is confident Ireland are ready to embrace it.
"We’re all buzzing for it and can’t wait to get going," he said.
"The vibe in the camp is good, but it’s always good, to be fair. We have a really good bond and have done since our first game. We played against Norway and Italy last year and competed really well and it shows how far we’ve come to be going up against quality teams like this."
Republic of Ireland Under-21s squad
Goalkeepers: Tiernan Brooks (Gateshead), Killian Cahill (Brighton & Hove Albion), Josh Keeley (Leyton Orient, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
Defenders: James Abankwah (Udinese), Emmanuel Adegboyega (Dundee United, on loan from Norwich City), Tayo Adaramola (Stockport County, on loan from Crystal Palace) Sam Curtis (Peterborough United, on loan from Sheffield United), Anselmo Garcia-MacNulty (PEC Zwolle), Connor O’Brien (Accrington Stanley), Connor O’Riordan (Cambridge United, on loan from Blackburn Rovers), Sean Roughan (Lincoln City)
Midfielders: Baba Adeeko (Wigan Athletic), Matt Healy (Royal Francs Borains), Andrew Moran (Stoke City, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), Killian Phillips (St. Mirren, on loan from Crystal Palace), Rocco Vata (Watford)
Forwards: Sinclair Armstrong (Bristol City), Aidomo Emakhu (Millwall), Johnny Kenny (Shamrock Rovers, on loan from Celtic), Mark O’Mahony (Portsmouth, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), Franco Umeh (Crystal Palace)
FIXTURES
Friday 11 October: Republic of Ireland U21 v Norway U21, Turner's Cross, 7pm
Tuesday 15 October: Italy U21 v Republic of Ireland U21, Stadio Nereo Rocco, Trieste, 5.30pm (Irish time)
