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Jim Crawford. Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Irish U21s boss Crawford distances himself from vacant Bohemians job

Meanwhile, Wolves striker Nathan Fraser declined an U21 call up, citing a fear of being injured.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U21 manager Jim Crawford has distanced himself from the vacant manager’s job at Bohemians. 

Bohs dismissed Declan Devine last weekend, just four games into the new season, and Crawford is understood to be near the top of the club’s wishlist. 

Crawford however says his focus remains with the FAI, and says he has received no contact from Bohemians. 

“Not at this moment in time”, said Crawford on the subject. “My job and my focus is here with the Irish U21s. It’s an honour to be linked with any club, Bohemians is a club I played for before. I do know there have been a hell of a lot of other names linked with the club too, but for me, at this point in time, my energy is being put into the 21s and that’s where it is for the time being.” 

Crawford was speaking at the announcement of his latest U21s squad for the Euro 2025 qualifier against San Marino on Friday week. 

One player not included is Wolves striker Nathan Fraser, who has recently made his Premier League breakthrough. Fraser was born in England, and has previously played for Ireland at U19 level. 

Crawford did try to include Fraser in this squad, but the player said he did not want to be called up, citing a fear of being injured at a time that he is the only fit striker on Wolves’ books. He has asked to be considered for future Irish squads. 

“I’ve had a few conversations with him and at this point in time he is the only fit striker at the club”, said Crawford. 

“He certainly is a bit apprehensive about being injured. He sees an FA Cup game this weekend against Coventry, there’s a strong possibility he will start, and their next Premier League game is against Aston Villa, a massive derby. He does think over the next while he will get Premier League experience, which is great for him.

“With the U21s, it would have been a different challenge. That’s what he says, I respect it. He did say he wanted to be considered for future international camps. In June we will have a couple of friendly games, so if all things go well he might be included in that. That’s all I can say on Nathan. Of course we would love to have him, but it is an opportunity for someone else to show what they can do at this level.” 

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    Mute samstheman
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    Feb 28th 2019, 6:14 PM

    That’s a lovely bit of news

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    Mute John Connolly
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    Feb 28th 2019, 6:40 PM

    @samstheman: Still bitter I see

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    Mute samstheman
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    Feb 28th 2019, 6:46 PM

    @John Connolly: you’re the expert Johnny boy

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    Mute John Connolly
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    Feb 28th 2019, 6:51 PM

    @samstheman: but you don’t follow a Spanish team and you’re still bitter about Salah getting injured in the final.

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    Mute samstheman
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    Feb 28th 2019, 6:59 PM

    @John Connolly: I’ve been to the Nou Camp several times John. Barcelona countless times. If you’d have asked I’d have told you but you jump in with your assumption buddy

    38
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    Mute Virgil Van Rock
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    Feb 28th 2019, 7:03 PM

    @samstheman: You didn’t even mention Salah, no alot of people like Ramos, particularly Pool Fan’s, similar to United Fan’s dislike for Messi after the merry dance he led them on in not 1 but 2 finals. Pay no attention, real Fan’s don’t care really.

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    Mute samstheman
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    Feb 28th 2019, 7:05 PM

    @Virgil Van Rock: Johnny is just frustrated I’ll let him hit out as he doesn’t like hugs

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    Mute Niall James Fergal McCormack
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    Feb 28th 2019, 7:46 PM

    @Virgil Van Rock: child

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    Mute Seaniecp
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    Feb 28th 2019, 10:04 PM

    @John Connolly: the irony of that John. “But you don’t follow a Spanish team…..” he hasn’t mentioned salah or Liverpool. But you have on an article about a Spanish footballers. Also not following a Spanish team means nothing when we are talking about a player playing in an all European championship here. Nor should that even matter. It’s football related. A sport we like . Get a grip lad. Obsessed

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    Mute Virgil Van Rock
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    Feb 28th 2019, 11:09 PM

    @Seaniecp: Completely, well put.

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    Mute samstheman
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    Feb 28th 2019, 11:20 PM

    @Seaniecp: the cough has been softened on the lad

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    Mute Chris
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    Feb 28th 2019, 6:51 PM

    Should have been given a life sentence for daring to tackle Salah back in May

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    Mute John Connolly
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    Feb 28th 2019, 6:55 PM

    @Chris: Liverpool fans are still complaining about this,Salah dives and Liverpool fans defend him but they signed a petition to replay the final when Ramos fairly tackles him

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    Mute Nigel O'Connor
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    Feb 28th 2019, 8:57 PM

    @John Connolly: Must be great to be you.. any subject remotely related to Liverpool you have the time talk through your hole. I’m delighted Liverpool occupies so much of your peanut brain.

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    Mute David Weston
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    Feb 28th 2019, 8:44 PM

    Nothing but sad saps in here , grow up

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    Mute irishoverseas
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    Feb 28th 2019, 7:19 PM

    Was stupid to admit it. Can’t blame him for doing it. I bet the likes of Scholes, Keane, Nedved, Terry and many more wish they did.

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    Mute Seaniecp
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    Feb 28th 2019, 7:37 PM

    @irishoverseas: true but they may never have reached those finals without them in an earlier match so there wouldn’t be too much point in them over thinking that one.

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    Mute Seaniecp
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    Feb 28th 2019, 7:35 PM

    He gets a two game rest for his efforts. Fair play to him……..

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    Mute Brian Stafford
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    Feb 28th 2019, 10:32 PM

    That’s a bit of a joke really. I know he got himself booked on purpose but that’s just doing the smart thing and ruling himself out for a game he could afford to miss. Yes it’s cheating but you see players cheating in almost every single football game played these days. Diving or feigning injury should be top of their list. These are fully grown men rolling around on the ground, pussies!

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    Mute Johnno Byrne
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    Feb 28th 2019, 9:55 PM

    Ridiculous everyone does it

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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Mar 1st 2019, 12:30 AM

    @Johnno Byrne: yeah and they know it, that’s why it’s only a one game ban. He was already banned for the next game.

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