Crawford braced for 'probably biggest U21s game ever'

Republic of Ireland boss Jim Crawford believes Monday evening's showdown with Montenegro is "probably the biggest Under-21s game there's ever been".

Ireland have never before made a European Championships finals at Under-21s level but they're now in with a serious chance of making history.

Friday night's 3-0 defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina means that if they win their last two games against Montenegro in Tallaght and then Italy in Ascoli, they will win Group F.

Runner-spot and a place in the play-offs would be a more than acceptable return however, and Crawford is fully aware of the opportunity now facing his side.

"To not play particularly well and keep a clean sheet, win the game 3-0, why wouldn't you be happy?" he told RTÉ Sport after goals from Will Smallbone (2) and Mipo Odubeko sank the Bosnians.

"It gives us a real opportunity now to get into the play-offs.

"It's a quick turnaround. You've got Saturday, Sunday to recover and the the game on Monday at 5 o'clock. It's a huge game for us, absolutely huge. It's probably the biggest Under-21s game there's ever been. We'll be ready for it.

"We were a little bit rusty at times... but we'll be better on Monday.

"They're a great group. We brought 26 into this window. They're all fantastic individuals and fantastic footballers. They know themselves it wasn't the most polished performance but you'll take the three points.

"Montenegro are a decent outfit. They drew with Italy in the last window so that just shows the pedigree they'll bring on Monday."

Southampton midfielder Smallbone was named man of the match after a performance full of class and endeavour.

He spurned a good chance near the end of Friday night's win to seal a hat-trick, but Smallbone is much more concerned with