Dundalk FC’s Jad Hakiki has joined up with the Ireland Under-21 squad for two friendly internationals against Sweden in Spain this week.

Midfielder Hakiki, born June 2004, in recent years represented Ireland at Under-18 and Under-19 level, scoring for both, and now links up with Jim Crawford’s Under-21 side for their double-header in Marbella, for a squad based on players eligible for the next qualification campaign. He replaces Adam Murphy.

Only players born during, or after, 2004 can feature in the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifiers, with the Sweden games an opportunity to look at players from this age range before competitive games begin next year.

Speaking ahead of the games, Crawford said: “This is a great opportunity to look at all our options ahead of qualification games next year. Much of the squad would have come through our international pathway, but for most this is their first involvement in an Under-21s squad.

“The opportunity came to test ourselves against Sweden and we jumped at the chance. I always say the players will get more out of it when they are challenged, and this will be a challenge – Sweden have the quality.

“Having missed out against Israel in 2022 we had to wait six long months to get a group together. This time we have an opportunity to bring a squad together, almost immediately, and this camp will be an excellent opportunity look at players against tough opposition.”

Having played with Belvedere and Bray Wanderers, Hakiki joined Dundalk from Shelbourne in the summer transfer window this year, appearing 13 times in all competitions, scoring once, with some eye-catching individual performances.

Jad reported for international duty on Monday for the week-long camp, with the games taking place on Thursday and Sunday.

Everyone at Dundalk FC wishes him the best of luck!

IRELAND U21 FIXTURES

Thursday 14th November: Ireland v Sweden, Banús Football Center, Marbella, Spain, kick-off 12pm (Irish time) / 1pm (local time).

Sunday 17th November: Ireland v Sweden, Marbella Football Center, Marbella, Spain, kick-off 2pm (Irish time) / 3pm (local time).

Both games will be streamed on FAITV.

UPDATE: Due to severe weather warnings, Thursday’s game between Ireland U21s and Sweden U21s has been moved to Marbella Football Center – kick-off now 7pm (Irish time).