Man United Under-18 captain among newcomers called up to Ireland Under-21s squad by Jim Crawford for summer friendlies
MANCHESTER UNITED Under-18 captain Jacob Devaney has been called into the Ireland Under-21 squad for the first time for summer meetings with Croatia and Qatar.
Yorkshire born midfielder Devaney - the son of former Barnsley star and Ireland youth striker Martin - is highly-rated at Old Trafford and has previously been in Irish Under-19 squads.
But he is called up by Jim Crawford for the meetings with the Croat Under-21s and an Under-23 Qatar team as part of an experimental squad with a view towards the Euro 2027 qualifiers.
Also included for the first time are Cork City's Cathal O'Sullivan, Shamrock Rovers' Cory O'Sullivan, and Drogheda United's Warren Davis.
Crawford said: 'This is a young squad, we've nine players still in their teens but the majority of those nine are playing first team football or around the first-team environment.
'It's important we look at all options available to us, to put us in the best shape come September.'
Read More On Irish Football
Ireland kick off their Euro qualifying campaign away to Moldova on September 4 before a home clash with Andorra, with England and Slovakia also in the group.
Ireland squad: Barrett (Sheffield Wednesday), Jauny (Brest), Maguire (Tottenham Hotspur), Wogan (Andrew Wogan), Curtis (Sheffield United), Grehan (Bohemians), Alex Murphy (Newcastle United), Cory O'Sullivan (Shamrock Rovers), Okagbue (Walsall), Otegbayo (Sheffield Wednesday), Slater (Brighton), Devaney (Manchester United), Lipsiuc (Walsall), Moorhouse (Manchester United), Mullin (Brighton), Adam Murphy (Bristol City), O'Brien-Whitmarsh (Southampton), Cathal O'Sullivan (Cork City), Vaughan (Hull City), Davis (Drogheda United), Gardner (Nottingham Forest), Hakiki (Sligo Rovers), Melia (St Patrick's Athletic), O'Mahony (Brighton).
1
Jim Crawford has named his Ireland U21s squad for the two upcoming games
Shocking moment punches thrown as brawl erupts between Man Utd & Spurs fans in Spain ahead of Europa League final
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Former Man Utd star takes shot at Alejandro Garnacho's HAIRCUT as he says it's time to ship out ‘sulking' ace
FORMER Manchester United star Ben Foster took aim at 'sulking' Alejandro Garnacho's HAIRCUT as he urged the Red Devils to axe the winger this summer. Garnacho, 20, may have played his last game for 4 Man Utd must axe 'sulking' Alejandro Garnacho, according to Ben Foster Credit: Getty The Argentina international has been at United since 2020 and has gone on to score 26 goals in 144 games. However, Garnacho has failed to win over Amorim despite once being heralded as the future of the club. The winger was even And he could now be set to pack his bags for a new side, with READ MORE IN FOOTBALL United have already moved to replace Garnacho by splashing £62.5million on Wolves' Matheus Cunha. Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo also seems destined to join this month. And now, Amorim's decision to axe Garnacho has been backed by former United goalie Foster. Speaking to Most read in Football 4 He was involved in an altercation with a fan last week Credit: TikTok @da_wood.7 BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Foster feels Garnacho sulked too much in the wake of the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. And he also feels that Garnacho cares more about the appearance of his hair than the team's wellbeing. Ruben Amorim bursts out laughing when asked about Man Utd star's future 4 Foster said: 'I think for Man United it's best to ship [him] out. 'If I was the manager I'd be a little bit similar to Amorim in the case of I just want team players. 'I want a bunch of lads who are good, honest, hard working team players. And I don't get that vibe from Garnacho, I don't get that vibe from a few of the players. 'You look at the full-time whistle after the Europa League game. You have Brennan Johnson doing an interview. 'He looks like he hasn't had a haircut for about three months, [hair] horrible all over the place, but his interview was incredible. 'You could tell he's a real nice lad, he's hard working, he does everything for the team. 'Then you look at Garnacho. Fresh trim a day ago, dyed blonde ready for the final. 'The full-time whistle goes, he's sat on the pitch sulking by himself, not trying to get behind the other lads, picking them up, saying 'well done we got this far'. 'And I think that there is the big contrast. I just want good lads, honest, hard working lads.' 4 Foster even hit out at Garnacho's hair cut Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Drogheda United coach claims ‘Drogs should be treated the same as PSG' by Uefa over European participation debacle
DAIRE Doyle insisted Uefa must treat Drogheda United like they would Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. Drogs Advertisement 2 Drogheda United were crowned FAI Cup champions to earn a place in European Qualifications 2 The 44-year-old is hoping Drogheda United will be allowed compete in Europe Both clubs are owned by the US-based Trivela Group, who also own Walsall, and Uefa has strict rules regarding multi-club ownership models and competing in Europe. And the Drogs' position is in peril as rules dictate that where there is joint ownership, the club that finished lower in their league is the one to miss out. There are precedents from the past. Manchester City put their 47 per cent ownership of Spanish outfit Girona in blind trust so both clubs could compete in the Champions League. And Uefa are in discussions with Trivela — Crystal Palace and Lyon are in a similar situation — with a ruling expected next week. Advertisement Read more on Irish football Assistant boss Doyle said that it is important that Drogheda get the same treatment as any European giant. He said: 'You'd hope the procedures should follow. Drogheda should be treated the same as PSG. I know the club have been in contact with Uefa over the past number of months, they're doing all they can. 'And they've let me know that they're hopeful that we can see a positive outcome to it all. 'There has been work done over a period of time to do what we need to do to find a solution to it. Advertisement Most read in Football 'People will speculate on the bad side rather than the good side. If you take history, there are clubs and ownership models similar to ourselves where both clubs have been in competitions and in some cases the same competition. 'So we can take that precedent that has been set over the last few years and we will be hopeful that will be no different to ourselves. Watch Robbie Brady aim hilarious dig at Ireland teammates after winning Player of the Year award 'Obviously until that does come out, you are going to have the people of Drogheda, supporters, players — everyone is going to talk until a decision is there. That is to be expected.' Doyle acknowledged that it has been something Trivela have been looking into since they first proposed buying 80 per cent of Silkeborg in December. Advertisement That was a month after the Drogs secured European football by DISTANT RELATIVES And Doyle admitted that, while both clubs have the same owners, there have been few dealings between them. He said: 'There wouldn't be too much contact with Silkeborg to be honest. "The Walsall one, there would be more of a link there because obviously we've had players on loan from them, they've come over and played against us last year. Advertisement 'It was a situation that could arise with another top-level country, so it was something I'm sure Trivela were aware could arise and they have been talking over the last couple of months. 'Hopefully we are in a position where ourselves and Silkeborg can both play in Europe.' Meanwhile, Doyle was pleased that the Drogs have got a home draw for when their FAI Cup defence begins next month. They will host Leinster Senior League outfit Crumlin United. Doyle knows the league well as his son Jack plays for Home Farm, and he has regularly seen Crumlin this season. Advertisement The Drogs assistant said: 'I've seen quite a few games this year, they've quite a few good players. James Lee is an excellent manager and former player as well. 'We're really happy we got a home draw, that's the most important thing. 'We'll do our homework on Crumlin now and make sure we find out as much as we can about them before the game.'
The 42
3 hours ago
- The 42
Senegal a novel but tough test for Ireland as long road to World Cup qualifiers finally comes to end
THE FAI'S SOCIAL channels reheated a favoured dish yesterday, posting the clip of Robbie Keane's 'bail that out u fuckers' equaliser against Germany at the 2002 World Cup, on what was its 23rd (!) anniversary. For those of us too young to remember The Charlton Years, this remains our Peak Irish sporting moment, at a time the generation older than us reckoned we had finally cracked the whole qualifying lark. Alas, Ireland at the Fifa World Cup became another empty Celtic Tiger promise. Almost a quarter-century on, we remain languishing on football's ghost estates, as most of the rest of their world got to live the high life. Heimir Hallgrimsson has been brought in to give us some upward mobility, and these next few days mark the end of his speculating. It's almost time to discover his yield. After tonight's clash with Senegal and Tuesday's friendly against our Old Pals Luxembourg, Ireland will finally begin World Cup qualifying, and the defining three months of Hallgrimsson's tenure. Hallgrimsson's focus remains utterly on the prize. 'I wouldn't mind losing both these games if we won both games in September if you are thinking about it that way', he said at his pre-match press conference. Tonight's opponents made their name at that same World Cup in 2002, beating holders France on the opening day and going all the way to the quarter-finals. Unlike Ireland, though, Senegal have actually gone on to do something since. Then-captain, Aliou Cissé, took over as manager in 2015 and gloriously led them to their first Afcon title along with the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which were ruined by bad luck. First they became the first side ever eliminated from the groups on the last-resort, fair play tiebreaker, and four years later they got through the group only to run into England while depleted of Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gueye. But they have also had a penchant for off-field turbulence. Despite the fact the Senegal federation offered Cissé a new contract to take him through to the 2026 World Cup, the government – who actually pay Cissé's wages – decided he was no longer up to scratch, and told him they wouldn't be paying for that salary extension, given he had failed to make the World Cup quarter-finals nor win a second-straight Afcon title. And so against the wishes of both Cissé and the federation, he stepped aside and has been replaced by a former assistant and another alumnus of the '02 World Cup, Pape Thiaw. Senegal are in Dublin tonight partly because they were due to be close by, as they play England in a friendly in Nottingham next Tuesday. They are here without Sadio Mane, who has asked to be excused, but are otherwise at full strength. Advertisement Their squad is a blend of recognisable veterans – Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye – along with more youthful talent, including Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, Tottenham's Pape Sarr, and Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara. Crystal Palace winger Ismalia Sarr is among too few talents at their peak and bridging both generations. If you exclude a penalty shootout loss to Ivory Coast at the most recent Afcon, Senegal are unbeaten in 20 games and have lost just once since that England defeat in Qatar. Ranked second in Africa and 19th in the world, they are a daunting opponent for Ireland. 'To go 20 games unbeaten is amazing', enthused Hallgrimsson at his pre-game media duties, explaining how direct Senegal are in seeking runners in behind and picking out third-man runs from deep, which offers a different test from the more patient heavyweights of European football. Thus if Senegal are not going to give Ireland a rehearsal for the Portugal and Hungary tests in terms of style, they will at least force Ireland to be attuned to those sides' tempo. 'Everything happens a little bit quicker, when we need to defend and that's a good step, if we are ready for that it's a good preparation for Hungary and Portugal', says Hallgrimsson. His message in training this week has been to preach the importance of remaining compact in the face of Senegal's threat. Compact neatly describes how Ireland played during the first half of their tie away to England last November – they got to the break at 0-0 before everything fell apart – though a reprise of playing Nathan Collins in midfield seems unlikely tonight, if only for the fact it's a home game against a standard of opponent against whom Ireland must score come the qualifiers. Hallgrimsson has left most of his Championship players on the beach for this window, though Bristol City duo Jason Knight and Max O'Leary have been included, along with Robbie Brady. That Brady is here emphasises how important he has become to Hallgrimsson, with depth at left-back at a minimum. The Irish manager is concerned about the lack of options in that position, as Callum O'Dowda is injury-prone and now a League One player, while he sees Ryan Manning as an attacking player. Hence why Hallgrimsson has spoken about the possibility of another return for James McClean to the fold, with McClean certainly open to another act with Ireland. McClean isn't here this week, however, and so this is a big opportunity for Josh Honohan to show his capabilities. Of the four new call-ups, Honohan has the least competition for a place in the team, though Hallgrimsson was coy on whether any of the quartet would be involved. 'The purpose of having a look at them is to see if they are ready to play. Whether it will be tomorrow or against Luxembourg or not at all, we will wait and see.' Hallgrimsson was cool on the prospect of midfielder John Patrick Finn making a senior debut this week, responding to a follow-up question by saying he 'has to grow a little bit more as a player to be starting for Ireland.' John Patrick Finn. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Next Tuesday's game against Luxembourg is the likelier game for debuts and experimentation. Caoimhín Kelleher has established himself as Ireland's number one and regular football with his new club Brentford means he intends to hold onto that status. Matt Doherty is the only specialist right-back in the squad, but all of Jake O'Brien, Dara O'Shea, and Andrew Omobamidele have shown themselves comfortable at shuffling across to fill the role. Liam Scales will provide further competition for the right to play alongside Nathan Collins. Given Brady and Knight have been selected, meanwhile, they will surely start. Ahead of Finn and fellow freshman Killian Phillips in the midfield pecking order are Will Smallbone and Jack Taylor. Smallbone hasn't played for Ireland since last September owing to a rotten run with injury, while Taylor hasn't been afforded many opportunities to build off his impressive cameo away to Greece last October. Both could start if Hallgrimsson opts to play a single striker, with Taylor deep alongside Knight and Smallbone playing higher in a position similar to that in which Finn Azaz excelled in March. Festy Ebosele has returned from injury and can punch through any defence with his pace down the right flank, while Manning may play again off the left having put in his best performance for Ireland away to Bulgaria in March. Troy Parrott missed Wednesday's session through illness but trained yesterday, doing media consumers across the country a favour in not having to read too many Sick as a Parrott headlines today. He is definitely ahead of Adam Idah in the pecking order: the question is whether Hallgrimsson chooses to pick Evan Ferguson alongside Parrott, and at the expense of an attacking midfield player. In the home leg against Bulgaria in March, Parrott led the line with Ferguson tucked in behind. There are more than 36,000 tickets sold for tonight's game, an admirable number for a summer friendly against a side with whom we don't exactly have a keen rivalry. It's proof once again hat the country is desperate to be carried away by its football team. Tonight, finally, is the end of Hallgrimsson's long beginning. Success will be if the end does not rush up to meet us too quickly. Ireland (Possible XI): Kelleher; Doherty; Collins, O'Shea, Brady; Ebosele, Taylor, Knight, Manning; Smallbone, Parrott On TV: RTE Two; KO: 7.45pm
