History beckons for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 side will kick of a bumper weekend of international football when they play host to Israel Under-21s in Tallaght Stadium on Friday night, live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player with kick-off at 7p.m.

Jim Crawford will be hoping to create history as the manager of the first side ever at this age group to qualify for a major tournament.

Despite a hiccup away to Montenegro early on in the campaign, Ireland bounced back claiming six points over rivals for second position Sweden to finish behind Italy and earn a play-off spot.

They will be missing several key players due to injury such as Oisin McEntee, Mark McGuinness, Gavin Kilkenny, Joel Bagan amongst others.

However it is the senior squad which has hit the most notably as Gavin Bazunu, Nathan Collins, Troy Parrott, Jason Knight and Michael Obafemi are all still eligible.

Adam Idah is also still young enough but misses out on both squads with a knee problem. Fellow Norwich City player Andrew Omobamidele is also ruled out of both squads through injury.

Back-up keeper Luke McNicholas is the only current injury doubt in the squad.

Venezia's Aaron Connolly is line to come straight back into the team for the first time at this level in three years since making the jump up to the senior team.

Crawford hinted that the Galwegian might play through the middle.

"I'd see him as a striker," said Crawford.

"What he offers with his pace, when he gets turned running at defenders from deeper areas he will cause problems but its also safe in the knowledge that if you have to play him out wide then he can do a job out there."

Crawford, who includes current Derry City assistant boss Alan Reynolds and the highly decorated former senior international captain John O'Shea amongst