Connolly shines as Israel hold out for a draw
The Republic of Ireland under-21s will perhaps rue what could have been after drawing the first leg of their UEFA European Championship play-off 1-1 at home to Israel.
Jake Obrien Sport News
Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Jim Crawford sees Aaron Connolly as a 'striker' ahead of Israel clash
Jim Crawford will today attempt to go where no Irish manager has gone before.
Kenny Cunningham: Ireland Under-21 team can upset Azzurri
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 team head into today's clash against their Italian counterparts with a play-off spot for the European Under-21 Championship already assured, but Kenny Cunningham believes all the ingredients are in place for Jim Crawford's young charges to pull of an upset win that would see them top the group and qualify outright.