JUST IN: the captain, makes his injured return for Ireland’s under-21 match against Latvia.

When the Republic of Ireland under-21s play Latvia in Riga in a future European Championship qualifier, Joe Hodge will captain the team once again.

The Wolves midfielder, who was sidelined by injury during the team’s home victories against Turkiye and San Marino last month, will lead the team at kickoff on Friday, October 13.

He goes to the engine room to join playmaker Andy Moran of Blackburn Rovers, who is on loan from the club. Moran replaced captain Armband for the Turner’s Cross games.

Sinclair Armstrong of QPR, who made his senior Ireland debut during last month’s 2-1 loss to the Netherlands, is named in a strong forward division.

Aidomo Emakhu of Millwall and Johnny Kenny of Shamrock Rovers are recalled up top to join Armstrong Oko-Flex, who left West Ham United for FC Zurich during the summer.

Additionally, Crewe Alexandra defender Connor O’Riordan declined offers from Scotland to stay in the Irish starting lineup.

After making his debut against Kuwait, O’Riordan told manager Jim Crawford that he planned to remain with Ireland. He had previously been named in Scot Gemmill’s Scottish under-21 squad.

Head coach Crawford stated, “It’s great to have Joe Hodge back with us. He’s our captain and a big player for us.”

“It’s also encouraging to see Connor O’Riordan and Armstrong Oko-Flex make an impression with their clubs lately and reclaim a spot in the lineup.”

Goalkeepers: Josh Keeley of Tottenham Hotspur, Owen Mason of Wexford (on loan from Mansfield Town), and Killian Cahill of Brighton & Hove Albion

Defenders: Bosun Lawal (Fleetwood Town, on loan from Celtic), Connor O’Riordan (Crewe Alexandra), Anselmo Garcia MacNulty (PEC Zwolle), James Furlong (Hull City), Sam Curtis (St. Patrick’s Athletic), James Abankwah (Charlton Athletic, on loan from Udinese), and Sean Grehan (Crystal Palace).

Midfielders: Rocco Vata (Celtic), Joe Hodge (Wolves), Ed McJannet (Lecce), Andrew Moran (Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion), Baba Addeko (Wigan Athletic), Zak Gilsenan (Blackburn Rovers), Matt Healy (Royal Francs Borains), and

Forwards: Tony Springett (Norwich City), Armstrong Oko-Flex (FC Zürich), Johnny Kenny (Shamrock Rovers, on loan from Celtic), Aidomo Emakhu (Millwall), and Sinclair Armstrong (QPR)