Ireland Under-21s take on Sweden for a second time this week at the Marbella Football Center, Spain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKXy4a4dM9Y/
Conditions
It will be a clear day in Marbella with temperatures reaching 21C come kick-off.
Match Preview
Jim Crawford’s side will look to bounce back after Thursday’s 2-0 defeat. But in Sweden, they know a team that has played together, as a group, numerous times and one that will be full of confidence after their win over Ireland.
Ten Irish players made their Under-21 debuts in the first game between the teams and it’s expected Crawford will introduce more fresh faces as this new look Under-21s side tests themselves.
Quotes
Speaking after Thursday’s game Ireland Under-21 Head Coach Jim Crawford said: “It was a good game to test us. We knew they would be a physically strong side, with technical ability and plenty of movement and energy. They’ve had a few games together a number of players who played competitively from the last Under-21s campaign.
“It was hugely beneficial for us because this is where you learn about character which players can take on information in such a short space of time. The reality is we only had two training session.
“Now we’ve got to go again on Sunday. There’s some lads who played 90 minutes tonight we may need again on Sunday but that’s the nature of international football.
“We created plenty of chances and we had some bright moments. There a were a number of players making their debuts which was a positive. Every player that was involved tonight didn’t do themselves any harm in being involved in the future.”
Republic of Ireland Under-21 Squad
Goalkeepers: Noah Jauny (Stade Brestois), Aaron Maguire (Tottenham Hotspur), Conor Walsh (Sligo Rovers).
Defenders: James Abankwah (Udinese), Sean Grehan (Crystal Palace), Darius Lipsiuc (Stoke City), Alex Murphy (Newcastle United), Connor O’Brien (Accrington Stanley), David Okagbue (Walsall), Gabriel Otegbayo (Sheffield Wednesday), Jacob Slater (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Midfielders: Jad Hakiki (Dundalk), Ed McJannet (Lecce), Jamie Mullins (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh (Southampton), Glory Nzingo (Swansea City), Rocco Vata (Watford), Harry Vaughan (Hull City).
Forwards: Tommy Lonergan (Fleetwood Town), Sean Moore (West Ham United), Mark O’Mahony (Portsmouth, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), Ben Quinn (Mansfield Town), Adrien Thibaut (Crewe Alexander), Kevin Zefi (Roma).
International Friendly Fixture
Sunday, November 17 | Ireland v Sweden, Marbella Football Center, Marbella, Spain, KO 2pm (Irish time) / 3pm (Local time)