The Ireland U21s side are back in action next week off the back of the bitterly disappointing end to their European Championship qualification campaign.
Tense back-to-back draws with Norway and Italy cost Ireland even a shot at a play-off for next summer’s championship – a crushing end for Jim Crawford’s side after such a promising campaign.
They will regroup this month with two friendly matches against Sweden in Marbella, with one eye on the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Euros that will get underway next summer.
Only players born in or after 2004 will be eligible to play in those championships – and Jim Crawford’s squad selection includes one 2005-born starlet who it seemed could be on the verge of a nationality switch.
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Kevin Zefi named in Ireland U21 squad after Albania links
Among the names on Jim Crawford’s squad list announced on Thursday afternoon is Kevin Zefi.
13 October 2021; Kevin Zefi of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA U17 Championship Qualifying Round Group 5 match between Republic of Ireland and Poland at Turner’s Cross in Cork. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Dubliner Zefi has been highly rated in Irish football circles ever since his prolonged transfer saga which ultimately saw him sign for Inter Milan from Shamrock Rovers in 2021.
Zefi has since gone on to move to rival Serie A side Roma, where he has impressed for the U20 team in recent weeks. However, it appeared earlier this year that he was contemplating a transfer at international level.
Having played for Ireland at U15, U17, U18, and U19 level, Zefi was earlier this year linked with a switch to represent Albania at U21 level.
The 19-year-old is of Albanian descent, and the national media there suggested that a call-up for Zefi was imminent ahead of June’s international window.
However, Jim Crawford appears to have put an end to any fear of a switch by giving Zefi his first Ireland call-up at U21 level ahead of next year’s qualification campaign.
Zefi’s last appearance in green came for the U19s last March. Fans will hope to see him line out for the Ireland U21s in next week’s fixtures against Sweden.
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