In a surprising turn of events, Crawford, the Crewe Alexandra centre-half, originally made it to the Scotland U-21 squad but later withdrew. The situation quickly changed when O’Riordan, who celebrates his 20th birthday today, was recalled and earned his first competitive start for Ireland in a recent Euro 2025 qualifying victory against Latvia.
O’Riordan expressed his strong desire to play for the Republic of Ireland, and a phone call with Ireland U-21 boss Jim Crawford settled the matter. O’Riordan’s ties to Cork and Galway also influenced his decision.
The defender stated, “No disrespect to Scotland or anything like that, but I made it clear that I want to play for Ireland. That’s my decision and that’s that. I’m proud to represent Ireland and any opportunity I get to do so, I’m extremely grateful for,” as reported by the Irish Independent.
He added, “Jim rang me and it got sorted. He knows I want to play for Ireland and I know that myself, so it was simple. I spoke with my family, the choice is mine at the end of the day. That was a decision I wanted to make.
“To make my competitive debut is an extremely proud moment for me and my family. It’s a game I’ll never forget. I’m just grateful for the opportunity.
“My dad and his parents are fully Irish and they were watching the game back home, it was a really proud day. Hopefully, I’ve done enough with my chance to maintain my place in the squad, fingers crossed.”
O’Riordan previously made his U-21 debut in a friendly against Kuwait in June, but his competitive start holds a special place in his heart.
“That was probably the proudest moment of my career to be honest,” O’Riordan remarked after the win in Jelgava.
“When that national anthem played, it’s something different to anything I’ve experienced in football. I’m sure next month when we’re at a packed Turner’s Cross it’ll be unbelievable.
“I framed my shirt from my debut, but I think this one might go to my grandparents!
“If I’m in the squad next month, my family are going to try and get to both games, which would be amazing. Every camp is really enjoyable and it’s been a brilliant experience.”
Ireland has had a perfect start to Euro 2025 qualification with three wins out of three matches. They are now preparing for a crucial double-header against top seeds Italy and Norway with the aim of securing their first U-21 Euros spot.
“It’s a perfect start, you couldn’t ask for any more. We’re full of confidence and we have to try build on it,” said O’Riordan, who hails from Crewe.
“They are the games we all want to play in. It’s going to be a good test for us next month, but with the amount of talent in our squad, I think we’re going to be able to compete with anyone.”
Back at his schoolboy club Crewe Alexandra, O’Riordan aims to continue contributing to their positive start in the League Two season. The team is currently in fourth place after 13 games.
“It’s a big season ahead. I think we’ll have a push for the play-offs. I’ve played a lot of games there now, came through the academy, so I
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