Source: FOOTYMAD
Crawford gains first Republic of Ireland cap against England
Blues striker Harry Crawford gained his first international cap Wednesday as the Republic of Ireland Under-19's lost 1-0 to England in the Ukraine. Hats of to Harry; a first international cap at under-19 level, not to be sniffed at!A great season for Shrimpers striker Harry Crawford continued when he played 45 minutes against England Under-19's to gain his first International cap for the Republic of Ireland Wednesday morning.It was both countries first match in the 2009/10 UEFA European Under-19 Championship elite round taking place in the Ukraine. Ireland and England play in Group 3 along with the hosts Ukraine and Bosnia-Herzegovina .Sadly for Harry, but maybe not if you support the side wearing three lions, the only goal of the game in Kyiv went to England in the 37th minute.Ireland's John Dunleavy decided to bring down the Blackburn Rovers defender Phil Jones, up stepped Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dean Parrett, who found the top corner of the net with a terrific free-kick from the edge of the penalty area.Hope Harry wasn't in the wall!Ireland played well in the second half, their original squad having been decimated by injuries, but last year's runners up England held out to take the points .This leaves the defeated boys in green having to win both their final two matches to qualify for the final held later in the year in France. Before the game Irish manager, Sean McCaffrey told www.fai.ie: "In my opinion, I think that this age group is one of the most exciting squads that we have produced for a quite a long time. I firmly believe that a large number of the age group will represent Ireland at senior level and at the highest level in the club game."So carry on the good work Harry, and it folllows on from fellow Shrimper Kane Ferdinand making his Republic of Ireland Under-18 debut last week.Remaining FixturesFriday, May 28England v Bosnia-Herzegovina (12 noon) - FFU Training complex, KievRepublic of Ireland v Ukraine (4pm) - Borex, BorodinkaMonday, May 31Ukraine v England (4pm) - Borex, Borodinka Bosnia-Herzegovina v Republic of Ireland (4pm) - FFU Training complex, Kiev.Republic of Ireland Under-19 Squad:Ger Hanley - Mervue UnitedIan McLoughlin - Ipswich TownRichie Towell - CelticJohnny Dunleavy - Wolverhampton WanderersAndy Boyle - UCDSean McGinty - Manchester UnitedShaun Timmins - Birmingham CityShane McEleney - Derry CityConor Clifford - ChelseaConor Henderson - ArsenalConor Hourihane - SunderlandDaniel Kearns - West Ham UnitedJimmy Keohane - Wexford Youths Robbie Brady - Manchester UnitedRonan Murray - Ipswich TownHarry Crawford - Southend UnitedStephen McDonnell - DundalkKarl Sheppard - Galway United
