Kilkenny's Colm Whelan named in Republic of Ireland Under 21 squad for crucial European Championship Qualifier

Republic of Ireland Under-21s Manager Jim Crawford has named a 21-man squad for the UEFA U21 European Championship qualifier with Sweden later this month. 
 
The young Boys in Green head to Borås, Sweden as they continue their push for qualification to the 2023 UEFA U21 European Championships in Georgia & Romania. 
 
Crawford has handed first call-ups of the campaign to Derby County’s Eiran Cashin and Doncaster Rovers’ Mipo Odubeko. It is the first time both players have been involved in an Ireland selection since 2019. 
 
Ireland head to Group F leaders Sweden looking for a repeat of November’s 1-0 win over the Swedes. Ireland won the game in Tallaght thanks to Ollie O’Neill’s 92nd minute winner. 
 
Last Friday, Crawford announced an U20s squad that will take on an Ireland Amateur selection at Home Farm FC, Dublin next Tuesday.
 
The U21s Manager confirmed there was an opportunity for some of those called-up for the U20s to join the U21s squad for training ahead of the Sweden qualifier. 
 

Republic of Ireland Under-21s Squad 
 
Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (Derry City), Luke McNicholas (Cliftonville, on loan from Sligo Rovers), David Odumosu (St. Patrick’s Athletic) 
 
Defenders: Joel Bagan (Cardiff City), Eiran Cashin (Derby County), Andy Lyons (Shamrock Rovers), Mark McGuinness (Cardiff City), Jake O’Brien (Swindon Town, on loan from Crystal Palace), Lee O’Connor (Tranmere Rovers) 
 
Midfielders: Conor Coventry (MK Dons, on loan from West Ham United), Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Gavin Kilkenny (Bournemouth), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Ross Tierney (Motherwell) 
 
Forwards: Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joshua 'JJ' Kayode (Rotherham United), Mipo Odubeko (Doncaster Rovers, on loan from West Ham United), Ollie O’Neill (Fulham), Colm Whelan (UCD), Tyreik Wright (Colchester United, on loan from Aston Villa) 
 

UEFA U21 European Championship Qualifiers – Group F

Tuesday, March 29 | Sweden U21 v Republic of Ireland U21, Borås Stadium, Borås, Sweden, KO 5pm (Irish time) - live on RTÉ