48 hours after earning his first senior cap, QPR attacker Sinclair Armstrong will rejoin the Ireland U-21 team for tomorrow night’s Euro 2025 qualifier against San Marino, according to Ireland U-21 manager Jim Crawford.
The QPR attacker received his first senior call-up on Friday morning, so he was unable to play in the U-21s thrilling 3-2 triumph over Turkey that evening. He made his first senior appearance in yesterday’s home loss to the Netherlands as a replacement in the 87th minute.
As they witnessed the Dubliner take his initial steps onto the Lansdowne Road grass, Crawford claimed a loud shout sounded from his side. The 20-year-old’s return is encouraging as the U-21s attempt to win their next two games against San Marino at Turner’s Cross (7.30).
Crawford, who was speaking from the team’s camp in Cork, reported no new injury problems, though Sean Roughan is absent due to suspension. “The biggest news for us is that Sinclair Armstrong will be joining the group again, which is great for a number of reasons,” Crawford added.
“First, his talent, and then his character and the contributions he makes to the organization. We’re thrilled. After making his senior debut last night, the question was posed to him, and he was more than glad to return down and join the U-21 team.
When he made his debut, one of the staff members recorded a brief clip. There.
was met with a warm applause as he entered the field. It only demonstrates the genuine bond that exists with this U-21 group, in my opinion.
Crawford will have some food for thought as he selects his starting 11 for tomorrow after Aidomo Emakhu’s performance on Friday, when he came off the bench to score a spectacular 96th-minute winner, but he believes he has no qualms about making any changes.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to switch the team around. When I received the phone call on Friday morning informing me that Sinclair had been called up to the seniors, that is what had taken place. We had Johnny Kenny coming in, so it wasn’t like we were just sitting around whining. Every other position is the same,
The players are aware that this is now the biggest game of our season. It (two wins from two) would be an excellent start to the campaign but it’s still very early. It would put a marker out there and bring confidence. “San Marino are going to come, defend deep, and get bodies behind the ball. It’s up to us to break them down. It’s about getting the three points,” Crawford concluded.
U-21 face Turkey to begin.
“Even before Friday, our gang was confident. As you witnessed in March, despite playing against Iceland with only 10 men, we were still able to win. It demonstrated the group’s resiliency. On Friday, we proved to everyone that we can fight.
“All we have to do is go into the game with a winning attitude, and maybe that will help us win tomorrow. The first few games are always crucial to establish a baseline and start on the right foot.
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