Jim Crawford: Late Italy goal 'a punch in the stomach' for Republic of Ireland U21s

Jim Crawford admitted that Italy's late, late equaliser in the Republic of Ireland's Euro under-21 qualifier at Turners Cross was "a punch in the stomach", but the Irish manager was full of praise for his side after the 2-2 draw.

The Boys in Green started slowly, but grew into the game and were on the cusp of a crucial three points in their pursuit of a first ever trip to the European Championships at this age grade.

Killian Phillips had put the hosts ahead just after the half-hour mark, only for Italy to equalise from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

Ireland burst out of the blocks after the break to restore their lead with a Sinclair Armstrong effort. But they couldn't hold on as Wilfried Gnonto - who had scored the first equaliser with a spot kick - headed towards goal in the sixth minute of added time, with the ball ending up in the net with the help of a huge deflection.

"It's a punch in the stomach, that's two points we've dropped," Crawford told RTÉ Sport after the game.

"It is disappointing but on the plus side it was a fantastic performance. We knew training here yesterday that the surface isn't conducive to playing football, so we had to be a little bit more direct.

"The players did it to a tee. We worked on set plays, vigorously, during the week. It's not the 11 who started, or the boys who came on, it's the 24 of them because they've worked tirelessly since they came into camp.

"It was a fantastic effort but football can be cruel, can't it? To miss out on those two points is a bitter blow for all that's gone on in the last 11 days.

"Honesty and effort underpins any good performance. That's what it was. It was a tough pitch to play on but each and every one of them can stick their chest out tonight because