Southend's Harry Crawford has been called up for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s for their upcoming games.

The 18-year-old striker will join the squad in Ukraine immediately to compete in the European Championships elite round qualification.

Crawford scored once in seven appearances for the Shrimpers this season as they were relegated.

"It is a great honour and a really good way for me to end the season," he told the club's website.

He added: "Quite a few of the Ireland team are from Premier League sides like Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

"So it will be a great experience to be playing alongside some of them.

"Hopefully we can do well and progress through to the finals in France later this year."

The Republic of Ireland will be playing three games in Ukraine at the end of May, facing England, Bosnia-Hercegovina and the hosts in group three.

The winners of each group will progress to the eight-team European Under-19 Championship final tournament in France in July.

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