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History beckons for O'Connor and Ireland U-21s in Israel

History beckons for O'Connor and Ireland U-21s in Israel

It's a huge night for the Ireland U-21s this evening as they could potentially book their place at the European Championship Finals for the first time.

Jim Crawford's side travel to Israel for a 6.15pm kick-off, with the sides having drawn 1-1 in the first leg.

Ireland will feel aggrieved not to have come out of Friday's clash in Tallaght with the advantage, having come from behind following Idan Gorno's first half strike to level through Evan Ferguson.

Israel had Stav Lemkin sent off late on, having stopped man-of-the-match Aaron Connolly from running through on goal, but the visitors held on for a draw.

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A win will see Ireland book their place in Romania and Georgia, with Waterford's Lee O'Connor likely to start from right back.

The former Villa FC star is currently plying his trade with EFL League Two side Tranmere Rovers. He is Ireland's most capped underage player of all time.

Ferguson is an injury concern for Ireland this evening, with it likely that Mipo Odobeko will assume his place in the starting eleven.

Israel meanwhile are set to call on the services of Celtic starlet Liel Abada tonight, despite his call-up to the senior side.

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Kick-off is at 6.15, with the Waterford contingent of Lee O'Connor, John O'Shea and Ollie O'Neill hoping for history come the final whistle.

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