Ireland require three points against the Icelandics - who currently sit one point behind the Boys in Green - and a win against Luxembourg on Wednesday to guarantee they’re among the five best runners-up who qualify for the tournament.
Jim Crawford’s side have already tasted defeat in the group against Sunday’s opponents – a 1-0 loss in October 2019 – but they will be looking for a reversal of fortune this time to put them on track to become the first Irish side to qualify for the European Under-21 Championships.
Fixture | Republic of Ireland U21 vs Iceland U21
Date | Sunday, November 15
Kick-Off | 12.30pm
Location | Tallaght Stadium
Where to watch | eirSport (coverage starts at 12.15pm)
WHAT THE MANAGER SAID
Ireland Under-21 Manager Jim Crawford: “It’s going to be a big task for the boys but something we’re looking forward to. I’ve every confidence in them to produce a performance that will get us the three points.
“We’re well prepared and the players have trained hard and they understand what is expected of them on Sunday and the real threats that Iceland pose.”
WHAT THE SKIPPER SAID
reland Under-21 Captain Conor Masterson: “It’s an honour for all of us to play for Ireland. We want to go out there and show what we can do, the talent we have in this squad and that the future of Irish football is in good hands.”
TEAM NEWS
Jim Crawford is boosted with the inclusion of three senior internationals for the Group 1 double-header against Iceland and Luxembourg.
Lee O’Connor, Michael Obafemi and Troy Parrott are all included but Jason Knight, who had been part of the original 24-man squad, was a late call-up to Stephen Kenny’s senior squad for their UEFA Nations League games with Wales and Bulgaria.
Ireland Under-19 international Mark McGuinness is involved with the Under-21s for the first time, and joins the uncapped group of Ed McGinty, Anthony Scully and Joshua Kayode.
Accrington Stanley striker Ryan Cassidy replaced Dundee’s Jonathan Afolabi after he sustained an injury.
Celtic’s Luca Connell didn’t recover from injury in time to be considered for the Iceland and Luxembourg games meaning St. Patrick’s Athletic midfielder Jamie Lennon got the call into the squad.
Republic of Ireland Under-21 Squad
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Rochdale, on loan from Manchester City), Ed McGinty (Sligo Rovers)
Defenders: Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Darragh Leahy (Dundalk), Conor Masterson (Queens Park Rangers), Mark McGuinness (Ipswich Town, on loan from Arsenal), Danny McNamara (St Johnstone, on loan from Millwall), Lee O’Connor (Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Celtic), Thomas O’Connor (Gillingham, on loan from Southampton), Liam Scales (Shamrock Rovers)
Midfielders: Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Will Ferry (Southampton), Jamie Lennon (St.Patrick’s Ahtletic), Danny Mandroiu (Bohemians), Connor Ronan (Grasshopper Zurich, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), Anthony Scully (Lincoln City), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United)
Forwards: Ryan Cassidy (Accrington Stanley, on loan from Watford), Zack Elbouzedi (Lincoln City), Danny Grant (Bohemians), Joshua Kayode (Carlisle United, on loan from Rotherham United), Michael Obafemi (Southampton), Troy Parrott (Millwall, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)