Jim Crawford reckons he will struggle to hold onto Southampton ace Will Smallbone at Under-21 level - if he continues to perform like he did against Bosnia last Friday and Montenegro yesterday.
Smallbone found the net once again as Ireland edged tantalisingly close to securing at least a play-off place for next year’s European Championships.
A second three-goal display in three days moved Ireland into second place in Group F, two points ahead of Sweden who play their final game on Thursday.
And if they fail to beat Italy at home, a spot in November’s play-offs is guaranteed.
“I’m exceptionally proud of the players,” beamed Crawford, after goals by Smallbone, Liam Kerrigan and Tyreik Wright sent Montenegro packing.
And addressing the Saints prospect, the Under-21 chief said: “He’s got fantastic ability, he’s an athlete.
“What we do need to see from Will next season is if he can get a run of games at Southampton or a Championship club, his name has been bandied about.
“But the more we see of Will, the better he gets, because he’s a real talent.
“For him to play two games, Friday-Monday, in a short space of time was a big ask but he did well and he’s a real asset to the group.
As for the prospect of holding onto him for much longer at Under-21 level, Crawford continued: “I doubt it. Because that’s how much I think of him.
“Once he gets settled in his club and plays consistently, there is every chance he’ll get called up because of what he brings.
“But I could say that for quite a few of the players there. They’re a great bunch, considering where I’m sure people were writing us off at some stage earlier in the group.
“To work together, to dig out the performances, Sweden here, when Ollie O’Neill scored with the last kick of the game, it shows character with the group.”
If Italy don’t win on Thursday, then top-spot and automatic qualification will still be up for grabs when Crawford’s side travel to Ascoli to take on the Azzurri next Tuesday.
Regardless of what’s at stake, the Under-21 boss will head to Italy looking to finish the group with another victory.
“Every game we play, we want to win. There's no doubt about it,” he said. “The same goes with Italy.
“Even if it does become a dead rubber, you'll get a play-off, but we'll be going over there to win, to keep this momentum that the group has going.”
Crawford also hailed debut-making defenders Eiran Cashin and Crystal Palace prospect Tayo Adaramola for their displays.
“I'm sure there were people saying: 'Hold on, you've beaten Bosnia 3-0 and you're changing the team, you're given a left-back a debut, Eiran Cashin a debut’.
“But Joel Bagan, who played for us against Bosnia, he only had two training sessions before the game against Bosnia.
“So for his own safety, there was every chance he would have picked up an injury if he went 90 minutes again.
“We knew we had to change it and Tayo came in and did a good job and Eiran Cashin looked composed and he'll get better the fitter he gets, there's no doubt about it.
“But it was certainly a nice victory today.”
He will give his players three days off before bringing them back in to prepare for next Tuesday’s clash against Italy in Ascoli.
“We’ll get onto our strength and conditioning coach Eoin Clerkin, who will give them a light sprinkle of work,” he said.
“They will come in on Friday and we will know exactly what is on the table for us. We’re looking forward to it. Our dressing room is buzzing.”
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