Sinclair Armstrong boost for Ireland Under-21s as he returns from senior squad

Sinclair Armstrong has returned to the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad to play San Marino in a Euro 2025 qualifier at Turner's Cross on Tuesday night.

The QPR forward was called up the senior team for the first time due to injuries and made his debut in the dying minutes against Netherlands at the Aviva Stadium.

However, having just played a few minutes, he will return to Jim Crawford's side as they look to continue a perfect start to their group.

Ireland beat Turkey 3-2 thanks to a late goal from Aidomo Emakhu.

Crawford said this morning: "The big news that Sinclair Armstrong will be joining the group again which is great for a number of reasons. First of all is his ability and second his character and what he brings to the group. We're delighted.

"After making his senior debut, he's only too happy to come back down and join up with the U-21 squad. One of the staff members took a little bit of footage and there was a nice cheer, a round of applause when he got on to the pitch. It shows the real connection that is with this 21s group.

"We brought him in in March when he had a bit of a niggle with his hamstring and in June I was told by Gareth Ainsworth [QPR manager] that he had recovered from a hamstring strain.

"I thought it was important to bring in because of the value he brings to the squad in terms of being around the place.

"He brings real energy to the group and it also gave us the chance to continue his rehabilitation process and strength work on his hamstring injury, which all underpins a great pre-season with QPR and a fantastic start to the season for him."

Celtic striker Johnny Kenny, currently on loan at Shamrock Rovers, deputised for Armstrong in the game against Turkey, although it was Emakhu who was the