Gary Rogers: Smallbone fits bill as missing link in midfield

Like the unwelcome ingredient in a sandwich, Ireland's loss in the baking heat of Armenia was the lowpoint in a long weekend which saw the Under-21s deliver when it mattered either side of the Yerevan setback.

While Stephen Kenny's side toiled in trying to break through a resolute defence in their UEFA Nations League opener on Saturday, Jim Crawford's U21s outfit took a big step towards a historic European Championship qualification by earning back to back wins over Bosnia and Montenegro on Friday and Monday.

A number of the U21s caught the eye but chief among them was Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone, who scored twice against the Bosnians before lashing in a superb strike to spark Ireland's 3-0 win over the Montenegrins.

#IRLU21 1-0 Montenegro - Will Smallbone scores an absolute screamer to give Ireland the lead.