'It's in our hands now' - Ireland U21 boss Jim Crawford reacts to big win

Jim Crawford was "exceptionally proud" of his Republic of Ireland Under-21 side after a 2-0 win away over Sweden in their European Championship qualifier.

The win puts the Boys in Green third in Group 8, one point behind the Swedes with a game in hand, and four points adrift of table-toppers Italy.

Second place will be enough to secure a play-off place and Ireland face Bosnia and Montenegro in Tallaght in June, shortly followed by a final fixture in Italy.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Crawford said the result puts the possibility of reaching a first ever U21 tournament back in Ireland's hands.

"It's a fantastic victory and I certainly think we needed to win today to give us a real opportunity to qualify in the group," he said.

"Sweden are a good team, so to come here and win 2-0, keep a clean sheet, puts us in a really good position. It's in our hands now.

"We've a game in hand against Sweden and we still have got to play Italy away. It's been a good day."

Defensively, Crawford said it was one of the best performances in his reign but added that his team "can be a lot better on the ball".

"But you can't take anything away from the effort of the players. I thought to a man, the players that came on we're abosutely outstanding," he said.

"It's been a great week and to cap it off with a 2-0 win, I'm exceptionally proud."

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