The three most exciting call-ups in Ireland’s Under 21 squad

Luke Jennings

Jim Crawford has announced his Ireland Under 21’s squad.

The Republic of Ireland Under 21’s squad announcement has seen a couple of new faces included. We are highlighting three call-ups that could have a bright future with the Boys in Green.

Derby County’s Eiran Cashin and Festy Ebosele have been brought into Jim Crawford’s squad as well as Doncaster Rovers Mipo Odubeko – who is on loan from West Ham. Sweden plays host to Ireland on March 29.

We know what the likes of Lee O’Connor, Evan Ferguson, Will Smallbone, Tyreik Wright and Conor Coventry are capable of, but let us look [below] at some of Crawford’s newest additions.

Confirmed | Your Ireland U21s squad to take on Sweden ⚽️🇮🇪

First call-ups of the campaign for Eiran Cashin and Mipo Odubeko ☘️

⚽️ | 🇸🇪 v 🇮🇪
📅 | 29/03
⌚️ | KO 5pm (Irish time)
📺 | Live on RTÉ

Full details 👉 https://t.co/gNe9Y9c4Fb #IRLU21 | #COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/MY0WhlLZ4J

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 15, 2022

Eiran Cashin – Derby County.

Cashin has been rock solid for Derby County this season. Rams boss Wayne Rooney had described the defender as “magnificent” following his man-of-the-match display against Peterborough United in February.

“He has probably done better than I thought he would, if I am being honest,” said Rooney.

The 20-year-old has made 10 appearances for Derby this season as they aim to avoid relegation despite being deducted 21 points at the start of the season.

Cashin is a centre-back who has a great understanding of the game. Crawford will be likely to use the youngster as he is playing senior football week-in-week-out in the Championship.

Festy Ebosele – Derby County.

Ebosele has three caps for Ireland under 21’s, thus far. However, he will be looking to be the main player for Crawford in the coming months.

Stephen Kenny spoke about the Enniscorthy man potentially getting called up to the senior team for this round of international fixtures.

“He’s rapid, he frightens defenders and I couldn’t have thought in November that he could be in contention in March,” said Kenny.

The 19-year-old has made 28 Championship appearances for Rooney’s side this season – scoring two goals. He has been linked with Serie A side Udinese at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Ebosele can play anywhere along the right-hand side of the pitch. He gives Crawford and Kenny plenty of food for thought when it comes to utilising the youngster in their sides.

Mipo Odubeko – Doncaster Rovers (On loan from West Ham).

Odubeko signed for Doncaster on loan in January in the hope of playing regular first-team football. He made two appearances for West Ham in last season’s FA Cup.

The Dublin-born striker has been called up to Crawford’s squad having turned down invitations previously over not making the cut at the under 17’s Euros in 2019.

Nigeria were interested in Odubeko declaring through his parents whilst England kept tabs on the youngster but he ended up declaring for the country he was born in.

Odubeko has not scored for the Reds yet but is playing each week. He is eager to relaunch his international career with Crawford’s side. 2022 could be the year Odubeko takes international football by storm.