Jim Crawford: Ireland U21s in good place as destiny dates looms

"It's in our hands now."

In the immediate aftermath of the Republic of Ireland Under-21s' pivotal qualifying win in Sweden at the end of March, it was clear that Jim Crawford's thoughts were already turning towards the time when the result could be built on.

Victory in Boras courtesy of goals from Ross Tierney and Tyriek Wright gave hope but it's the sixth page of the calendar that will be decisive when it comes to the Boys in Green's fate.

Ireland face Bosnia and Montenegro on 3 and 6 June at Tallaght Stadium - both games will be live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player - before a trip to group leaders Italy on the 14th.

As things stand, head coach Crawford's side are third in the standings, one point behind Sweden, but with a game in hand on the team they beat home and away consecutively. Italy are four points up the road but face Luxembourg and the Swedes.

Should a buoyant Irish side win the home games against the Bosnians and Montenegrins, then favourable results elsewhere could set up a clash a winner-takes-all clash against the Italians which could decide which of the teams qualify directly for the 2023 European Under-21 Championships and which one ends up in a play-off.

The first scenario is the ideal for Ireland with the aim of qualifying for a first major tournament at that age grade but a play-off would also mean the eventuality would remain very much alive.

With games in hand on those around them #IRLU21 will now feel more confident about getting a play-off spot for the @UEFAUnder21 championships in 2023 #rtesoccer #COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/eg13kEoQly

"We're in a very good position at the minute. It's in our hands," Crawford, who succeeded Stephen Kenny as U21 head coach just over two years ago, told RTÉ Sport as he