Armstrong Oko-Flex brace sees Ireland continue perfect start to U21 Euro qualifiers

Latvia 1 Republic of Ireland 2

Ireland Under-21s made it three wins out of three in qualifying, overcoming Latvia 2-1 thanks to a brace from Armstrong Oko-Flex.

The FC Zürich attacker, called back into the squad for the October window, chose the perfect time to net his first Under-21s goals with a strike in each half.

Ireland were made to sweat for the last couple of minutes after a fantastic strike by Lukass Vapne in second-half added time but the goals from Oko-Flex were enough to earn Jim Crawford’s team nine points out of a possible nine so far this campaign.

“If you had said to me beforehand, that whole cliche, ‘would I have taken 2-1 here?’ I would have, because Italy came here to Latvia and drew 0-0," said Crawford.

"We knew it was a potential banana skin, but we had the players well drilled in what to expect. There are huge games and certainly stiffer tests to come, but one thing we have going for us is a little bit of momentum.

"Three games and three wins, momentum is a big thing in football. It breeds confidence with players.“    

Joe Hodge returned to the starting XI having missed the September window due to injury. Oko-Flex was making his competitive debut alongside Connor O’Riordan who was selected in the Irish backline with Bosun Lawal.

The young Boys in Green gave up a couple of early chances to the hosts with the best falling to Kristians Kauselis who rose highest from a corner and headed just over. It was an warning sign for Ireland who responded when Oko-Flex had an effort on eight minutes that flashed over Janis Beks’ bar.

Ireland began to grow into the game and they were ahead in the 15th minute. Andrew Moran did well to win a free-kick and from the resulting cross Lawal got above his man, headed