Ireland Under-21s will take on Slovakia in Turner's Cross in a vital Under-21 EURO Qualifier in Cork.

Having won two games out of two in their opening qualifiers Ireland will be looking to make it three for three when they host a talented Slovakian side to Leeside.

Two goals from Mason Melia was enough to secure the 2-1 win over Moldova, while Michael Noonan scored less than a minute after his introduction to the game against Andorra.

The young Boys in Green are expected to be backed by a boisterous crowd in Cork with tickets for the games selling fast.

Match Details

Ireland U21 vs Slovakia
UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier
Friday, October 10
Turner’s Cross Stadium, Cork
Kick-off: 7.30pm

Quotes

Ireland Under-21 captain James Abankwah said: “The two wins from our opening two games will naturally give us confidence but we still feel we’ve more to give. Being in Cork, having that crowd behind us, we know how they can push us and get us over the line. I played here in the last campaign I know how important they can be and we’re looking forward to playing in front of them on Friday.”

Ireland Under-21 Head Coach Jim Crawford said: “I’ve said it before, the Cork crowd are a 12^th player for us. When the coach pulls up to Turner’s Cross you feel like it’s an event, you feel like you’re about to play a huge game. Speaking to players and staff they love playing here, we know how much it means to the locals but also what it means to the country. Those are our thought processes. To go put on a performance for them and the result takes care of itself.
 

Ticket details:

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster priced €10 adults, €5 children and €20 for a family ticket (two adults, two children)
TICKETS | IRELAND U21 VS SLOVAKIA U21  

Supporters are advised to purchase tickets in advance via Ticketmaster. Limited number of tickets available at the ground – card payment only. 

Supporter information: It is advised to allow plenty of time for your journey to Turner’s Cross. A high level of traffic is expected around the stadium with Munster Rugby due to play at Virgin Media Park (Musgrave Park) on Friday evening. Gates to Turner's Cross open at 6pm. 

Match Officials

Referee: Lionel Tschudi (Switzerland)
Assistant referees: Matthias Sbrissa (Switzerland) and Guiilaume Maire (Switzerland)
Fourth official: Johannes von Mandach (Switzerland)

Match notes

Rocco Vata has the opportunity to equal the Under-21s goalscoring record (7) should he find the net against Slovakia

Republic of Ireland Under-21s Squad

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

Defenders: James Abankwah (Watford), Jacob Devaney (Manchester United), Sean Grehan (Doncaster Rovers), Alex Murphy (Newcastle United), David Okagbue (Peterborough United), Jacob Slater (Harrogate United, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion).

Midfielders: Romeo Akachukwu (Southampton), Darius Lipsiuc (Solihull Moors, on loan from Stoke City), Cathal McCarthy (Hull City), James McManus (Sligo Rovers, on loan from Bohemians), Jamie Mullins (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Murphy (Swindon Town, on loan from Bristol City).

Forwards: Leon Ayinde (Ipswich Town), Jad Hakiki (Sligo Rovers), Trent Kone-Doherty (Liverpool), Mason Melia (St. Patrick’s Athletic), (Shamrock Rovers), Mark O’Mahony (Reading, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), Rocco Vata (Watford).

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