Jim Crawford labels Cork City's Cathal O'Sullivan as ‘fantastic' while playing in Ireland U-21 friendlies in Croatia
JIM Crawford's Under-21s drew a blank against Qatar's 23s last night.
The Boys in Green
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The Cork City future star was impressive in the 0-0 draw
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The Ireland U-21 squad will begin their Euro 2027 qualifiers in September
Shamrock Rovers ace Cory O'Sullivan
But he could not inspire a win despite Cathal O'Sullivan and Jad Hakiki going close by hitting the post.
IRELAND U-21: A Wogan; J Devaney, G Otegbayo (A Murphy 74), S Grehan, J Slater (Cory O'Sullivan, h-t); E McJannet (J O'Brien-Whitmarsh, h-t), J Mullins; Cathal O'Sullivan, J Hakiki, H Vaughan (W Davis 74); C Dillon (M O'Mahony 74).
Jim Crawford
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The Ireland U-21s boss said: "A really young team with a 17-year-old playing right back, which he was fantastic, Jacob Devaney.
"We had Cathal O'Sullivan who played 90 minutes, fantastic. Andrew Wogan in goal, very good.
"There was a lot of pleasing aspects for individuals but what we need going into the (Euro 2027 qualifying) campaign is competitive players.
"Certainly here, players have sort of turned staff members' heads, if you like, to say, 'yeah, I'm ready to be selected for September'.
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"Cian Dillon, you know, worked hard and people have to remember that Cian turned down a holiday to Greece to gain two U21s caps. I'm sure he wouldn't change that for the world.
"He's done himself absolutely no harm at all, you know, so delighted for him.
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"This is one step away from the senior team. This isn't easy. Some of the players have probably been ever-present in squads, from 15s, 16s, 17s and so on.
"Now all of a sudden, when they gets to 21s, the player pool gets a little bit bigger."
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