Soccer

Armstrong Oko-Flex called into Ireland under-21s squad for qualifiers

Will Smallbone also returns from injury for matches against Italy and Sweden

West Ham’s Armstrong Oko-Flex. Photo: Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images

Wed Nov 3 2021 - 12:38

West Ham’s Armstrong Oko-Flex has been called into the Ireland under-21 squad for the first time ahead of next week’s European Championship qualifiers while Will Smallbone also returns from injury.

Jim Crawford’s 25-man squad will line up against Italy on Friday November 12th and Sweden on Tuesday November 15th with both games at Tallaght Stadium.

Dubliner Oko-Flex joined West Ham from Celtic and started his career with St Kevin’s Boys.

So far Crawford’s side have beaten Luxembourg at home and lost 2-1 to Montenegro away.

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Tickets to both European Championship qualifiers are now on sale with admission for both games available for €15 for adults, €8 for children and €30 for a family ticket (two adults and two children) - Ticketmaster service charges apply.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 Squad

Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (Bray Wanderers), David Odumosu (Drogheda United), Luke McNicholas (Cliftonville, on loan from Sligo Rovers)

Defenders: Joel Bagan (Cardiff City), Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Andy Lyons (Bohemians) Oisin McEntee (Greenock Morton, on loan from Newcastle United), Mark McGuinness (Cardiff City), Jake O'Brien (Crystal Palace), Lee O'Connor (Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Celtic)

Midfielders: Conor Coventry (Peterborough United, on loan from West Ham United) Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Ryan Johansson (Fortuna Sittard, on loan from Seville), Gavin Kilkenny (Bournemouth), Ollie O'Neill (Fulham), Conor Noss (Borussia Möchengladbach), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Ross Tierney (Bohemians)

Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Will Ferry (Crawley Town, on loan from Southampton), Joshua 'JJ' Kayode (Rotherham United), Liam Kerrigan (UCD), Armstrong Oko-Flex (West Ham United), Colm Whelan (UCD), Tyreik Wright (Salford City, on loan from Aston Villa)

2022 UEFA Under-21 European Championship Qualifiers

Republic of Ireland v Italy – Friday, November 12th (5.30pm, Live on RTÉ2)

Republic of Ireland v Sweden – Tuesday, November 16th (7pm, Live on RTÉ2)