Captain Joe Hodge returns from injury for Ireland under-21 clash with Latvia

Joe Hodge in action for Ireland at underage level

Joe Hodge in action for Ireland at underage level Credit: Al Robinson (ETPhotos)

Joe Hodge will return to captain the Republic of Ireland under-21s for the forthcoming European Championship qualifier against Latvia in Riga.

The Wolves midfielder, who missed last month’s home wins over Turkiye and San Marino with injury, will skipper the side for the afternoon kick-off on Friday, October 13th.

He joins on-loan Blackburn Rovers playmaker Andy Moran, who took over the captain’s armband for the games at Turner’s Cross, in the engine room.

QPR Sinclair Armstrong is named in a strong forward division after making his senior Ireland bow during the 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands last month.

Armstrong Oko-Flex, who departed West Ham United for FC Zurich over the summer, is recalled up top to join Millwall’s Aidomo Emakhu and Shamrock Rovers’ Johnny Kenny.

And defender Connor O’Riordan of Crewe Alexandra turned down overtures from Scotland to remain part of the Irish the set-up.

O’Riordan, who made his debut against Kuwait, was initially named in Scot Gemmill’s Scottish under-21 side before informing manager Jim Crawford he intends to stick with Ireland.

“It’s great to have Joe Hodge back with us, he’s our captain and is a big player for us,” said head honcho Crawford. 

“It’s also pleasing to see Armstrong Oko-Flex and Connor O’Riordan impressing with their clubs in recent weeks and earning a place back in the squad.”

Goalkeepers: Killian Cahill (Brighton & Hove Albion), Josh Keeley (Tottenham Hotspur) Owen Mason (Wexford, on loan from Mansfield Town)
 
Defenders: James Abankwah (Charlton Athletic, on loan from Udinese), Sam Curtis (St. Patrick’s Athletic),  James Furlong (Hull City), Anselmo Garcia MacNulty (PEC Zwolle), Sean Grehan (Crystal Palace), Bosun Lawal (Fleetwood Town, on loan from Celtic), Connor O’Riordan (Crewe Alexandra)
 
Midfielders: Baba Addeko (Wigan Athletic), Zak Gilsenan (Blackburn Rovers), Matt Healy (Royal Francs Borains), (Joe Hodge (Wolves), Ed McJannet (Lecce), Andrew Moran (Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion),  Rocco Vata (Celtic)
 
Forwards: Sinclair Armstrong (QPR), Aidomo Emakhu (Millwall), Johnny Kenny (Shamrock Rovers, on loan from Celtic), Armstrong Oko-Flex (FC Zürich), Tony Springett (Norwich City)

 



Friday, October 13: Latvia U21 v Ireland U21, Zemgales Olympic Centre, Jelgava, kick-off 1pm (Irish Standard Time)

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