Ireland Men’s Under-21s take on Croatia in Vrbovec, Zagreb in the first of two friendlies in the June international window.

The games will serve as preparation for the September qualifiers where Ireland face Slovakia, Kazakhstan and England in a trio of games.

On Saturday they come up against a Croatian side who are unbeaten in EURO Under-21 Qualifying and have conceded just once in their campaign.

However Head Coach Jim Crawford is able to select from his full squad of players with all players fit and available.

Match Details

Croatia MU21 v Republic of Ireland MU21
International Friendly Fixture
Saturday, June 6
Gradski Stadion, Vrbovec, Zagreb, Croatia
Kick-off 4.30pm (Irish time) / 5.30pm (local time)
Updates via @IrelandFootball channels
 

Quotes

Ireland Under-21s Midfielder Jamie Mullins said: “I’m looking forward to it. I think it will be a tough challenge. They are doing well in their qualifying but these are the games we want to play and I think it will be a good game. It’s a good opportunity for the new lads in the squad and others who have been here before to test themselves in two tough games.”

Ireland Under-21 Forward Michael Noonan said: We have confidence going into the last few group games and this camp is going to help to bring new lads and get them used to the surroundings. It’ll give the manager options because you need to prove yourself in these games.”

Ireland Men’s Under-21 Squad

Goalkeepers: Noah Jauny (Stade Brestois), Aaron Maguire (Tottenham Hotspur), Conor Walsh (Shelbourne).

Defenders: Sam Curtis (Sheffield United), Oisin Gallagher (Lincoln City), Sean Grehan (Doncaster Rovers), Sean Keogh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Conor McManus (Brentford), Cory O’Sullivan (Shamrock Rovers), David Okagbue (Peterborough United).

Midfielders: Jacob Devaney (Manchester United), Rory Finneran (Newcastle United), Gabriel Kelly (Stoke City), Darius Lipsiuc (Stoke City), Jamie Mullins (Wycombe Wanderers), Cillian Murphy (Cork City), John O’Sullivan (Shamrock Rovers), Naj Razi (Shamrock Rovers), Harry Vaughan (Bohemians, on loan from Hull City).

Forwards: Gbemi Arubi (Dundalk), Tommy Lonergan (Waterford), Kian McMahon Brown (Burnley), Michael Noonan (Shamrock Rovers).