Ireland Under-21s Head Coach Jim Crawford has named his squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier against Latvia in Riga next week.

After recording back-to-back home wins against Türkiye and San Marino in Cork last month, Ireland head to Latvia looking to continue their good run of form.

The young Boys in Green are boosted by the return of captain Joe Hodge as well as FC Zürich’s Armstrong Oko-Flex and Crewe Alexandra’s Connor O’Riordan.

Sinclair Armstrong, who made his senior international debut against the Netherlands last month before scoring his first Under-21s goal against San Marino, is included in the squad as is Andrew Moran who has impressed on loan with Blackburn Rovers in The Championship.

Ireland’s game is set to take place on Friday, October 13 with kick-off at 1pm (Irish Standard Time).

Speaking about his selection and the upcoming game, Crawford said: “We started the campaign with two great performances and we have an opportunity to following this up by going to Latvia and securing maximum points. Latvia have proved they are a difficult opponent and they drew 0-0 with Italy in the last window so we’re under no illusion how much of a challenge this will be.

“It’s great to have Joe Hodge back with us, he’s our captain and is a big player for us. It’s also pleasing to see Armstrong Oko-Flex and Connor O’Riordan impressing with their clubs in recent weeks and earning a place back in the squad.

Republic of Ireland Under-21s Squad

Goalkeepers: Killian Cahill (Brighton & Hove Albion), Josh Keeley (Tottenham Hotspur) Owen Mason (Wexford, on loan from Mansfield Town)

Defenders: James Abankwah (Charlton Athletic, on loan from Udinese), Sam Curtis (St. Patrick’s Athletic), James Furlong (Hull City), Anselmo Garcia MacNulty (PEC Zwolle), Sean Grehan (Crystal Palace), Bosun Lawal (Fleetwood Town, on loan from Celtic), Connor O’Riordan (Crewe Alexandra)

Midfielders: Baba Addeko (Wigan Athletic), Zak Gilsenan (Blackburn Rovers), Matt Healy (Royal Francs Borains), (Joe Hodge (Wolves), Ed McJannet (Lecce), Andrew Moran (Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), Rocco Vata (Celtic)

Forwards: Sinclair Armstrong (QPR), Aidomo Emakhu (Millwall), Johnny Kenny (Shamrock Rovers, on loan from Celtic), Armstrong Oko-Flex (FC Zürich), Tony Springett (Norwich City)

UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier – Group A

Friday, October 13 | Latvia U21 v Ireland U21, Zemgales Olympic Centre, Jelgava, kick-off 1pm (Irish Standard Time)