International | Hodge makes Ireland U21 bow

28th September 2022

Joe Hodge made his Republic of Ireland under-21s debut in the latest international break, as a total of six Wolves Academy stars were called up to represent their nations.

The Boys in Green agonisingly missed out on a place at next summer’s U21 Euros following defeat to Israel, which saw the two-legged play-off go all the way to spot-kicks.

In front of almost 26,000 supporters, the hosts prevailed winning 3-1 in the shootout after a goalless second leg in Tel Aviv.

The tie saw Hodge pick up his first two caps for Ireland under-21s as the midfielder played 73 minutes of the first leg in Dublin, before being replaced just shy of the hour in Tuesday evening’s decider.

Elsewhere, Nathan Fraser collected 75 minutes for Ireland under-19s across the international break and scored in last week’s 6-0 victory over Gibraltar. Three wins from three ensured Tom Mohan’s men topped their qualifying group, which has secured progression to the elite phase ahead of the 2023 U19 Euros in Malta.

Dylan Scicluna started the first of three international friendlies for Australia under-20s, while younger brother Lucas featured for Malta under-19s in their Slovenia Nations Cup fixtures.

Brayden Clarke and Makenzie Bradbury still have upcoming friendly matches for Wales to complete before reporting back to Compton Park.

Full September/October fixture schedule

Joe Hodge (Republic of Ireland U21): UEFA European Under-21 Championship Play-Offs