'Fantastic': Ireland boss pleased with Cathal O'Sullivan in first U21 start
Cathal O'Sullivan got his first start for the Ireland U21s as they drew 0-0 with a Qatar U23 side in a friendly played in Croatia on Tuesday. The Cork City teenager made his debut in Friday's defeat to Croatia, entering the game as a late substitute.
Also against Qatar, goalkeeper Andrew Wogan made his first appearance, Shamrock Rovers defender Cory O'Sullivan earned his debut off the bench, and there were first starts for Cian Dillon and Jacob Devaney.
"A really young team with a 17-year-old playing right back, which he was fantastic, Jacob Devaney," said Ireland manager Jim Crawford.
"We had Cathal O'Sullivan who played 90 minutes, fantastic. Andrew Wogan in goal, very good.
"There was a lot of pleasing aspects for individuals but what we need going into the (Euro 2027 qualifying) campaign is competitive players. Certainly here, players have sort of turned staff members' heads, if you like, to say, 'yeah, I'm ready to be selected for September'.
"Cian Dillon, you know, worked hard and people have to remember that Cian turned down a holiday to Greece to gain two U21s caps. I'm sure he wouldn't change that for the world. He's done himself absolutely no harm at all, you know, so delighted for him.
"This is one step away from the senior team. This isn't easy. Some of the players have probably been ever-present in squads, from 15s, 16s, 17s and so on. Now all of a sudden, when they gets to 21s, the player pool gets a little bit bigger.
"We just need to be competitive in all areas of the pitch with regards to our squads. I'm happy with that. To bring up boys like Jacob, like Cathal O'Sullivan, like Andrew Wogan, a lot of really good, polished performances that we're delighted with."
Ireland created plenty of chances against Qatar but were not clinical enough in front of goal. O'Sullivan and Jad Hakiki went closest for Crawford's side.
"We did create lots of chances," said Crawford. "Lots of fantastic intricate play, individual play and lots of positives.
"It's the first sort of clean sheet with the group, which is one positive defensively. It's been a little bit of a concern with the group so far.
"The main learning from that game is that when you're on top in a game, you need to score goals. When we play Moldova, Andorra, Kazakhstan, it'd be probably similar where teams just drop off, looking to catch you on a counter-attack.
"We got a lot of prep for September and October with the way Qatar were set up. People have to understand that it was a Qatar U23s team, so 22-year-olds; a few of those players played in their senior team."
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